Shipowner and Sailor.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 709, 3 January 1903, Page 1

Shipowner and Sailor.

trade DEPRESSION and idle STEAMERS.

The Sydney Shipping List oE December 21st has tba following In connection with the demand of the owners that the inter-State seamen submit to a reduction in salary owing to trade depression, it is pointed out that the following vessels are at present laid up owing to the general shrinkage in trade : The Boverio, ,Kooringa, Oloncurry, Mintaro, Moonta, Mareeba, Rorkoowa, Bnsbane Barrabool, Koonya, Eunmbla, and Adelaide. Of these, the Moonta is the onlv one doing anything at all, and she will soon bo vesting. They represent a carrying capacity of something like 80 000 tons, and at least half of them, and the half which includes the largest vessels, are of comparatively new tonnage. In addition to those vessels owned by tho companies which are laid up the following chartered steamers have been relinquisbed owing to the same cause : The Alala, Ramazzau, St. Rolald, Baltazar, Bas Elba, Dovedale, and Andam's. These beats have also a carrying oapacity of about 80 000 tons. Taken all round, the total vessels out of commission represent 25 per cent, of the Australasian coastal collier and cargo tonnage. Of the new boats referred to by tbo men, it is demonstrated that the Cooevana has gone into the Indian trade, and that tho Victoria is intended for the New Zealand service, while the Kooringa and the Nardoo have replaced boats which have beon lost, and fUo Wvndrß has replaced the Cintra.