HOLLAND--BELGIUM
The home Government of the Netherlands gives neither construction nor
navigation bounties. Only subventions to steamship lines for carrying
the mails are granted. The single purpose of these subventions is
declared to be to secure the prompt and effective furtherance of the
mails at reasonable cost.[CZ] The contracts are not publicly let, but go
to the several steamship lines plying to foreign ports and to the Dutch
colonies. The amounts fixed by contract are at a given rate per voyage.
The cost of the subventions to the Dutch East Indian lines is divided
equally between the home and colonial Governments. Independently of the
home Government the Dutch East Indian Government grants general mileage
subventions for the maintenance of lines making regular communication
with the various ports of the East Indies.[CZ] Holland's gross tonnage
in 1910 had reached the respectable total of 1,015,193 tons,[DA] ranking
her eighth among the maritime nations.
* * * * *
Belgium had a subsidy system for shipbuilding before 1852. At present
neither bounties to domestic shipping nor postal subventions are paid by
the Government. Subsidies, or premiums, however, are given to certain
foreign steamship lines to encourage the commerce of Antwerp. These
include an annual payment of eighty thousand francs ($15,440), and the
refunding of lighterage and pilotage dues, to the North German Lloyd on
their East Asiatic and Australian lines; and fifteen hundred francs
($289.50) to the German-Australian line for each call to and from
Australia, the maximum subvention limited to thirty-nine thousand francs
($7527). A Danish steamship concern is also exempted from lighterage
and harbor dues and granted other facilities, but receives no money
premiums.[DB] Belgium tonnage in 1910 comprised only 165 steam and
sailing ships for a total of 299,638 tons.[DC]
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote CZ: Meeker.]
[Footnote DA: Lloyd's Register, 1910-11.]
[Footnote DB: Meeker.]
[Footnote DC: Lloyd's Register, 1910-11.]