Snt,—The British shipbuilder will read with feelings of satisfaction Mr.
Austin Taylor's able letter in the Spectator of November 19th, but will his brother the British ship- owner experience the same feelings ? It is common know- ledge that the British shipowner is passing through a time of great anxiety from his inability to secure paying business. Granted we have cycles of good and bad times ; but his position is worse now than during any former depression,—and why ? Clearly because of competition from countries in which shipping is a protected industry, countries whose shipping (though not prospering too well) is assailing us by means of the protection afforded it. America reserves for herself all trade with the Philippines, Cuba, Sto.; France pays her shipping as much per annum in bounties as her ships earn in freight. Austria probably enjoys the most unique position, for she builds her steamers in our yards, advises her Govern- ment, and receives from it a bounty of some 15 per cent. Italy and Germany buy up all the iron steamers we will sell them, take them to their respective countries, break them up, build steel steamers from the result, and on this new tonnage receive bounty from their Government. Norway and Sweden build largely in our yards. Thus we are helping these nations, which, with the exception of America and France, are already working their vessels at less expense than we, because their (1) wages are lower; (2) victualling costs slightly less; (3) insurance is cheaper ; (4) they are not so hampered by regulations. How can we maintain our supremacy if no means of protection or retaliation be afforded us in face of competition ? The most cursory glance at Lloyd's Register of Shipping shows the strides other nations are making in shipping as compared with Great Britain.—I am, Sir, &c.,
LIVINOSTONE HOLMES.
Hantsport, Radnor Drive, Liscard.
Previous page
