SHIPS FOR NEW ZEALAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 June 1919, Page 8

SHIPS FOR NEW ZEALAND.

MR. MASSEY'S DOINGS, By Telegraph,—Press Asm.-—Copyright. London, May 30. ■The shipping position respecting New Zealand's needs ia still fairly satisfactory, having regard to all tlic circumstances. Mr. Massey, while in London during the part eight days, saw the Controller with a view to making certain that every-, thing possible was being done to satisfy the Dominion's requirements.' He ascertained that there are at least nine insulated ships set down for July sailing from New Zealand ports:, with a chance of more, but the delay difficulty, owing to strikes and labor trouble, had not yet been overcome, though the position was somewhat improved. There had been much congestion in the shipping repair yards, as many as nine hundred merchant ships awaiting repair a short time ago in Britain. In addition, there were in two ports.' no fewer than 180 ships idle for want of labor, which may seem an extraordinary fact in view of the serious unemployment in Britain. Shipbuilding! is proceeding satisfactorily in several yards. Speaking at a scmplimentary luncheon at which lie was the guest of Empire producers, Mr. Massey urged the necessity for the developing of shipping services between the overseas Dominions and Britain. Something had already been done, but more must be done to explore the possibilities of the movement towards increasing inter-Empire trade ' It might be necessary to subsidise suitable ships, but, whatever happened, it was in the interests of citizens throughout the Empire that everything possible should be done to improve our shipping facilities. Both Ministers returned to Paris on Thursday night in order to attend a plenary session, whereat the Austrian treaty will be considered, also the presentation of terms to Austria on Monday.