N.Z. COASTAL SHIPPING

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24895, 7 June 1946, Page 6

N.Z. COASTAL SHIPPING

PROBLEM IN IMPROVING SERVICE COMPANY EXPECTING NEW VESSELS Difficulties' in effecting improved coaetal shipping, and the progress of efforts to secure further vessels for the coastal and intercolonial trade, are discussed in a shipping company’s reply to further representations which have been made by the Canterbury Manufacturers’ Association.

The reply stated that about the same amount of tonnage as in pre-war days was employed on the New Zealand coast, but for several reasons the same service could not be given. Fewer hours were being worked on the waterfront, and overseas vessels were still discharging big quantities of transhipments at North Island ports which coastal tonnage had to carry to the south. Congestion of shipping at the ports was frequent, accentuated by the fewer hours worked.

In the last few years, also, secondary Industry in New Zealand had increased considerably, making more cargo for coastal carriage. The recent drought in the north had added to the difficulties, priority having to be given to many thousands of tons, of fodder. In spite of the world shortage of tonnage, the British Ministry of Transport, at great inconvenience to British shipping, had made available overseas vessels. but evew so at this time of the year when the produce season was at its height and with the enormous space taken by fodder it was difficult to provide for all requirements with the slow turnround.

To assist with coastal tonnage, the company had recently purchased two small vessels, one of which would be in commission within a few days, and the other a month later. Orders had been placed in Britain for several cargo vessels for the intercolonial and coastal trades, but the shipbuilding yards were working to their utmost canacity. and it was difficult to obtain definite dates of delivery. Two new cargo vessels, however, were expected to be delivered by the end of the year and these would be followed by others as soon as they could be built.