CONSTRUCTION OF SHIPS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 98, 20 January 1919, Page 5

CONSTRUCTION OF SHIPS

(Rec. January 20, 0.30 a.m.) London, January 15. i "Lloyd's Register" states that 424 nierohantmon, ■ aggregating- , :1,970,952 tons, were under construction in the United Kingdom at the end of December, ferro-concrete vessels not included. The Allies'and neutral countries are constructing 1765 vessels, agi Rregating 4,942,037 tons.—Aub.-N.Z< Cable Assn. ■ .. ... '

CONTRACTS FOR STANDARD SHIPS I TAKEN-OVER FROM GOVERN- ' ' MENT. i; (Rec; January. 19, 11 p.m.) , Y. London, January,. 16. . Baron Inchcape'ahd Mr. Phillips state that they have taken over tbe coa« ! tracts for standard ships from the Gov- ■" ernment, and will distribute them as ' equitably as possible'. They do not in- " tend to make a profit or favour their own companies, but to retain absolute discretion respecting the allotment. Shipowners are asked to 'make a general application by January 24. ' Specific applications will be considered thereafter without delay. Steamers will not be subject to requisition at ' Blue Book rates, but if the Government wishes to charter the terms will' , be mutually arranged.' . Otherwise the vessels will be on the same footing as other privately-owned ships. It is estimated that the aggregate cost will bo twenty millions. It is. anticipated , that Baron lnchcape and Mr. Phillips will easily dispose of all the vessels. — ; Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ■ . : ;.,