NO SHIPPING NEWS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1656, 30 December 1916, Page 3

NO SHIPPING NEWS.

IN DOMINION PRESS

A precaution, evidently deemed necessary in view of the dangers on the high seas at the present time, has been adopted by the shipping companies of Noav Zealand, and it is noAV announced that no ucavs Avhatever of steamers coming and going to ports overseas is to be published in the Dominion press. Gradually since the commencement of the war the companies interested have Avithdrawn information Avhich previously was published freely, uniil now they announce time advertisements, and even posters about the streets, Avill be discontinued. This move Avill mean a serious draAvhack to commerce, as infonuation Avill be confined to a limited sphere, and only those directly interested in a A'essel Avill be able to ascertain its position or projected movements. The only shipping neAvs which may be published is of coastal and Australia-going vessels.

The position in regal’d to the vessels belonging to neutrals is not at present - clear, though the agents for an American line of steamers authorise the publication of the movements of A’essels of the company’s Heel.

The original orders are said to haA 7 e been given to the head offices of shipping companies by the Admiralty in A’ieAV of dangers from submarine and other means of attack.

In Ncav Zealand, where Ave are so dependent upon shipping for supplies and information of conditions abroad, neAvs of vessels plays a big part in our everyday life, so Hint the precaution will perhaps mean a great dislocation of business. News journals Avhicb luia c previously been the means of conveying to importers and commercial interests advice of arrivals and departures, and oversea cables, will be prevented from making public such information from this date.

The telegram advising companies of the decision stales the precaution Avill be in force until further notice.