STATE STEAMERS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2937, 24 November 1916, Page 6

STATE STEAMERS

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE VIEWS ''MODERATE COURSE FAVOURED BUT ACTION URGED A question of the advisability of recommending the Government to acquire a line of steamers was discussed by the conference of Chambers of Commerco on Wednesday, and a committee was set up to consider six remits bearing on the subject and frame one to take their places. Yesterday morning the committee recommended the conference to adopt the following:— "That it be a recommendation to the Government that such arrangements bo made with the oversea lines of steamers carrying to and from the United Kingdom to ensure that excessive rates 6hall not be charged, liaving consideration from time to ' time of the existing circumstances and tonnage demands from other countries. And, failing that, the Government consider the question of State-owned ships; and, if necessary, in order to ensure that the requirements of the Dominion are fully provided for, that a subsidy be paid by the which latter would assist toward bringing into, effect the suggested arrangements." This was moved by Mr. T. D. A. Mofiitt (Invercargjll), and seconded by Mr. H. S. Bourn' (Christdiurch). Mr.. Mofiitt said that the committee had come to a sort of compromise. Mr. X G. Harkness (Wellington) said the committee's recommendation was merely la, pushing aside cf the question. This was a case where the Government should step in. Mr: George Fenwick (Dunedin) thought the remit should be passed. They were asking something which was reasonable, and the conference wonld act wisely to adopt a moderate course. Mr. A. Leigh Hunt (Wellington Central) moved as an amendment:—"That the Government bo urged to consult with the producers of New Zealand with a view to obtaining control between the Dominion and its markets." He stated that one shipping company's profits for tlie year had run into seven figures, and thatafter paying war tax it had declared a divided of C 5 per cent. Mr. C. M. Luke (Wellington Central) seconded Mr. Hunfs amendment. He 6aid that for anyone to argue that the present high freights were justified was simply to shut one's eyes to the interests of the people. He knew that the cost of constructing ships had gone up, but still tho profits were tremendous. The president (Mr. James Macintosh) remarked that it was usual before judgment was passed for those passing judgment to possess themclves of all the facts and hear both sides. A delegate: How will we get tho facts? Tho president: By holding an inquiry and getting all the evidence. ' When the voting was taken Mr. Hunt's amendment was heavily defeated, and the comniitteo'vS recommendation was adopted.