NO SHIPPING NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 January 1917, Page 6

NO SHIPPING NEWS.

IN DOMINION PRESS. A precaution, evidently deemed necessary in view of the dangers on the high seas at the present time, lias been adopted by the shipping companies of New Zealand, and it is now announced that no news whatever of steamers coining anil going to ports oversea is to be published in tbe Dominion press. Gradually since the commencement of the war the companies interested have withdrawn information which previously was published freely, until now they announce that advertisements, and even posters about the streets, will be discontinued. This move will mean a serious drawback to commerce, as information will i c confined to a limited sphere, anil only those directly interested in a vessel will be able to ascertain its position or projected movements. The only shipping news which may be published is of coastal and Australia-going vessels. The position in regard to the vessels belonging to neutrals is ncit at present clear, though the agents for an American line of steamers authorises the publication of the movements of vessels of the company's fleet. The original orders are said to have been given to the head oflices of shipping companies by the Admiralty in view of dangers from submarine and other means of attack.

In New Zealand, where we are so dependent upon shipping for supplies and information of conditions abroad,'news of vessels plays a big part in our everyday life, so that tlie precaution will perhaps mean a great dislocation, of business. News journals which have previously been the means of conveying to importers and commercial interests advice of arrivals and departures, and oversell cables, will be prevented from making public such information from this date. The telegram advising companies of the decision states that '.he precaution will be in force until further notice.