AMERICAN SHIPS.

Waikato Times, Volume 110, Issue 18407, 14 August 1931, Page 8

AMERICAN SHIPS.

ON PACIFIC SERVICE. TRADING BETWEEN N.Z. PORTS. PREVENTION URGED. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON. Friday. In the House of Representatives to-day Mr W. P. Endean (Reform— Parnell advocated taking some action in connection witli the operations of the Matson Shipping Line in trading with New Zealand and the United States of America. He referred to the Jones-White Act, under which this American line was subsidised, and said in the very preamble of the Act itself it was stated that assistance was being giaen to enable United States commerce to be extended, and to provide an auxiliary shipping service in time of war. It must be realised that Great Britain had been reduced to parity with the United States in respect lo naval armament, and her personnel was actually less. Would the people of New Zealand acquiesce in sweeping our own shipping off the Pacific? British vessels were not allowed to trade between Honolulu and the United States ports.

Mr Endean drew attention to the already unfavourable trade balance with America, and submitted that the public should assert itself, and insist on American vessels trading on an equal footing with British-owned ones.

The Minister of Marine, the Hon. J. B. Donald: How could you do that ? Mr Endrin : Don't let American ves--se’« trade ’between New Zealand ports. Mr Donald: How could you stop them ? Mr Endean: would pass the necessar.' leswlation. Mr Donald: International shipping laws would not allow it. Mr Endean: We'd soon see about 4 h a t.