HIGH COSTS OF OPERATING NEW SHIPS

Chronicle (Levin), 23 April 1946, Page 2

HIGH COSTS OF OPERATING NEW SHIPS

—Press Association

Bv TelearapK-

WELLINGTON, Apnl 21. That many people who had planned a trip for ''after the war" would be iiirliued to reconsider their deeision when thev found out what the fares would 1)0,' was the opinion expressed^ by Gaptain W. 11. Hartman, master of the liaer Akaroa'. Factors which must affect the cost of passages were the present high cost oi liiaintainiug ships, the heavy increases in the cost of shipbuilding," and the slower Joading of ships on the New Zealaud coast. The present eight-hour dav for seamen ,and similar conditions which were foreshadowed for the victualling staffs, not only increased operating costs, but also ineant that niore crew would liave to be carried. Tliis must result in reduciug either the cargo or the passenger accommodatiou, with added expense tor each trip. Gaptain Jlartman said that it' there were a reduction in the hours of work of those engaged in the preparation of meals, or even under present conditions. "austerity" menus would be likelv to conlinue. He thought it unlikely that the w'ule table service previously supi>lied could be restored. .Shiplmilding costs were estimated to have risen lo() per cent., so that reItlacemen.t oi tonnage lost during the war woulil be a serious linancial risk. Gaptain Llartman estimated that, allowing I'or depreciation, it would cost £5U0 per day to hamlle a new ship in New Zeaiand ports, and beeause of the present loading time, which he considered to be double the prewar time, the huge cost of lenglhy stays on the coast must make the operating of a new ship n highly speculative venture.