NATIONAL TRANSPORT SYSTEM IS PROPOSED.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 150, 26 June 1931, Page 1

NATIONAL TRANSPORT SYSTEM IS PROPOSED.

SIR HENRY THORNTON’S ADVICE TO CANADA

(United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received June 26, 9 a.m.) OTTAWA, June 25.

The . appointment of a Government Commission to investigate the general transportation situation in Canada was suggested by Sir Henry Thornton, President of the Canadian National Railways before the Parliamentary Committee on Railway and Shipping to-day. A national transportation policy could be devised, not only concerning railways, but also the St Lawrence waterways, highway and bus traffic, and general shipping, he said.

“ The Commission should be composed of business men, economists and men schooled in industrial and trade matters,” said Sir Henry. “ Some decision should be reached as to whether the Canadian Government Merchant Marine Fleet of 30 freight ships should be continued. We should either go into business with effective weapons, or get out of it.” Sir Henry also said that it was folly to continue as at present with boats deteriorating and becoming antiquated. “ Personally I recommend that we get out of the business,” he said. When Dr Peter M’Gibbon (Conservative) asked in connection with the suggested commission if the amalgamation of all the transport systems should be considered, Sir Henry said that he would not define its limits or reference.

Before the committee on the previous day Sir Henry said that Canadian National Railways was considering a scheme of pooling its passenger ships on the Pacific coast with those of the Canadian Pacific line and extending the present services of the two companies to San Francisco. They now extend from Seattle to Alaska, with many services between.