MODERN SHIPS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 244, 27 July 1937, Page 6

MODERN SHIPS.

THE PACIFIC ROUTE. MEETING AMERICAN COMPETITION. (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, July 26. Two large modern liners will probably bo running in the British shipping service across the Pacific before 1940, according to indications given by the Hon. R. G. Casey (Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Australia, and a member of the Ministerial delegation from Australia to tho Imperial Conference, who is passing through Auckland by the Monowai on his way home. “We had long series of conferences in London on the subject of Pacific shipping,” Mr Casey said. “The delegates imme-. diately concerned were Dr. Leslie Burgin, representing the United Kingdom, the' Hon. W. Nash (representing Canada), and myself, and arrangements for subsidising the construction and operation of the two new ships were practically complete before I left London. Mr Casey added that he had recently been advised that one of the few outstanding difficulties in the shipping proposals had been overcome, and he hoped to hear soon that a complete agreement had been reached. Various detailed matters had to be considered, but it was not likely that the insurance of the new liners would constitute any great obstacle. “It Will be something approaching two years before new ships are actually in commission,” Mr Casey continued. “In principle we may have no great liking for shipping subsidies, but in the circumstances, they are inevitable. The Dominions of Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, as well as Fiji, must bo served by an up-to-date -line of ships. The United States has set the and we are reluctantly obliged to follow.” Air Communications. Air communications within the Empire, Mr Casey said, had been chiefly dealt with on behalf of Australia by Sir Archdale Parkhill, and in this sphere, too, satisfactory progress had been made in making arrangements for extended services. The new Empire flying boat service to Australia would probably start by the end of the year or early next year, and in the near future it would be extended to New Zealand. Another point mentioned by Mr Casey.was the significance attached 1p defence discussions at the Imperial Conference. Most of the delegates, be said, were well informed regarding the world situation, but nevertheless, the plain, straightforward view of affairs given by the Foreign Secretary (Mr Anthony Eden) had been most impressive and had strengthened the realisation that Imperial defence co-operation was absolutely essential.