THE SHIPPING COMBINE.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 June 1917, Page 5

THE SHIPPING COMBINE.

STATEMENT BY MINISTER. ' THE DANGER RECOGNISED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Minister of Marine, in a statement as to the shipping combine, says the matter is receiving careful attention. He says the scheme was rushed through, ! and asks why was the hurry. He declares it is clear the promoters had an idea what the people and Parliament might think, and rushed the scheme to the fruition stage before Parliament ■ met. Recently several of the largest vessels had their registry changed from New Zealand to London, but no further changes would be allowed while he holds his present office. Mr. Russell says the three questions involved 1 are: Loss of control; the relation of the State; and our future trade. He asks: What control can New Zealand have of a company with headquarters in London? Information is being gathered with all speed, and there will ; be no delay in preparing a full report. < The fact that the Government is paying a huge sum per month for charters for Union boats as transports and hospital ships is an element that must be considered.