IDLE SHIPS

Hokitika Guardian, 3 August 1931, Page 5

IDLE SHIPS

OVER 30 OUT OF SERVICE. COASTAL TRADE QUIET. WELLINGTON, July 31. Few industries have been more seriously affected by the prevailing depression than the shipping industry, and in the opinion of a local shipowner who has had a long conexion with New Zealand coastal trading, the condition of the industry to-day is worse than at any other time in the history of the Dominion. Over 30 New Zealandowned vessels are at present withdrawn from service, representing a gross tonnage of nearly 70,000. 'The following list is not exclusive, but comprises all the vessels affected with the exception of a few small coastal traders of which some have outlived tlleir usefulness and some are awaiting purchasers. Vessels laid up at various ports with gross tonnages are:— Auckland. Tons Waitoma 4214 Waiternata 5729 Kairanga 2830 Kaitoke 3167 Kainutnawa 2416 Kurow 2625 Piri 240 Mako 505 Wellington, Tons It a, to a 2484 Kanmi 1948 Omana 2550 Kaiwarra 3051 Kaimai 1435 Putiki 409 Himatangi 479 Nelson. Tons Aiahura 1596 Ngaio 1203 Nilca u 248 Regulus 584 Lyttelton. Tons Calm 892 Cygnet 143 Port Chalmers. Tons Mamma 6497 Mnheno 5323 Kawatiri 3127 Kaikorai 3151 Sydney. Tons Kekerangu 3146 Moeraki 4421 An official of the Seamen’s Union estimated that there were between 1100 and 1200 seamen and firemen unemployed at the present time.