THE SHIPPING ASPECT.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 July 1921, Page 5

THE SHIPPING ASPECT.

UNIFORM LAWS PROPOSED. Received July 16, 12.10 a.m. London, July 14. A special committee considered the shipping phase of communications and a report was submitted by Mr. Mackinder, chairman of the Imperial Investigation Board, recently appointed. This included representatives of British and Dominions’ interests, builders and merchants. The committee recommended uniform legislation throughout the Empire regarding the limitation of owners’ liability. It is so far learned that Canada, Australia and Britain have already passed Acts substantially satisfying in this respect, particularly with reference to Bills of Lading, and the committee urged other Domiflions to give the matter attention soon. It proposed the committee should continue under royal charter. Mr. Hughes brought up the questi<m of rebates and also wanted information showing how the services could be improved. The chairman stated evidence had already been taken in regard to rebates and no decision had been t eached as to the recommendation, except that it was obvious there must be no victimisation of shippers. It is learned to-night that Mr. Hughes is go dissatisfied with the outlook for the wireless proposals that he has accepted an invitation to address a series, of questions to Dr. Eccles to-morrow with a view to discovering why such apparently simple proposals are declared to involve insurmountable difficulties. Sir Frederick Sykes (Director of Civil Aviation) advises the conference on the proposals to establish airship services, Sir Ross Smith helping.