CANADIAN TRANSPORT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 150, 27 June 1931, Page 5

CANADIAN TRANSPORT

COMMISSION SUGGESTED. NATIONAL POLICY WANTED. OTTAWA, June 25. The appointment or a Government Commission to investigate the general transportation situation in Canada was suggested by Sir Henry Thorntou (pre sident of the Canadian Natioi.ai Railways) before the Parliaiveulaiy Committee on Railway and Shipping to-day. A national transportation policy could' be devised, not only concerning the railways, but the St. uawrcncc waterways, highway, and bus traffic and I general shipping. The Commission should, be composed of business men, econom ists, and men schooled in industrial ami trade matters. Some decision should be reached as to whether the Canadian Government merchant marine fleet ot thirty freight ships should be continued “We should either go into the 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, 1 recommend that we get out of the business,” he said. When Dr. Peter McGibbon (Conner vative) asked, in connection with the suggested commission, if the amalgamation of all transport systems should be considered, Sir Henry said that he would not define the limits or reference. Before the committee on previous day Sir Henry said that the Canadian National Highway was considering a scheme of pooling the passenger ships on the Pacific coast with those of the Canadian Pacific, and extending the present services of two companies to San Francisco. They now extend from Seattle to Alaska with many services between.