SHIPPING SAFETY

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21159, 8 July 1940, Page 3

SHIPPING SAFETY

CLOSING OF PORTS MINISTER STATES REASONS (By Telegram.—-Press Association) WELLINGTON, Saturday The Minister of Defence, the Hon. - F. Jones, today outlined some of the ' reasons which require the ports of Xew Zealand to be closed temporarily from time to time. “The Navy has on innumerable occasions given evidence that it does all in its power to protect shipping, and the responsible section of the public has, I am sure, ample confidence in its judgment,” said the Minister. “It is realised, however, that when it becomes known, as it must, that ships have been prevented from sailing from or entering a certain port, speculation arisen as to the reason. “After the Niagara was sunk by a mine, minesweeping operations we:e immediately undertaken in the vicinity of the spot where she was lost, and as the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, announced at the time, several mines were found. Other mines a iso have been swept up in other nearby iocalit.es. "This.” said Mr Jones, “shows that all the necessary steps are being taken without delay to search the li • to safentaring an i leaving. It may be necessary in the future to close ports from time to time, or limb tiie movements of .'hipping to enable measures of saely to oe taken, ana ex sure that no unavoidable risks m ly Le run.”