STATE SHIPS WANTED.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16044, 7 February 1920, Page 4

STATE SHIPS WANTED.

The question arises, are New Zealand producers and exporters content to remain at the mercy of the great shipping rings of the Old Land, which are an even greater influence in restraint of trade than are the great meat combines of America? Australia faced the position some years ago, and the Commonwealth State ships have not only proved a fine paying concern, but have been of great, help in

relieving the shipping congestion across the Tasman, Sea. Why does New Zealand hesitate to follow Australia’s example in this regard? Some time ago the meat freezing and other interests discussed the question of the purchase of ships for the export of their produce, and it is to he hoped that the impasse which has now been reached may influence practical steps being taken in the direction indicated. Though we would prefer State-owned ships to privately-owned vessels, it would certainly be a great advantage If our producers were not entirely dependent on outside shipping rings. Mr Massey does not support the idea of nationalising shipping or any other industries, though he has declared that he is in favour of helping the producers purchase their own ships, the help to be given by way of a Government guarantee. Whatever is done, it is most desirable that at the earliest possible moment New Zealand should be freed from the shipping octupus, and we sincerely hope our enterprising producers will tackle the question of ships as they have so successfully accomplished the establishment of the dairy and meat-freezing industries. Meantime strong pressure must he brought to bear in England to induce the Imperial authorities to dispose of their accumulated stocks of meat, so that relief can be given in the Dominions as well as that the consumers in the Old Land may have the benefit of a cheaper article of diet than in the present circumstances they can obtain. We are confident that it is to the interests of all concerned that Mr Poison and his confreres in the meat business should get Home at the earliest possible moment. They -would soon be in a position to disclose facts to the British public through the press, whielp would compel the Government and the big shipping rings to give the desired relief to our exporting interests, and generally place matters on a much more satisfactory footing.