1 APRIL 1938, Page 44

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LONDON AND THAMES HAVEN.

Mr. Thomas C. J. Burgess, the Chairman of London and Thames Haven Oil Wharves, faced his shareholders on Monday in a fighting spirit. He showed that he was reconciled to the loss of the company's contract with the Shell group and to the _ fact that business at Thames Haven may not be so large or so remunerative as it has been in the past. He expressed himself as even more determined to press ahead with the building of the Irish National Refinery. The London and Thames Haven Company is, he announced, to take control of that unit and

directly to finance it. He indicated that the Irish Refinery would be completed in 12 to 15 months' time. When that position has arrived and satisfactory profits are being earned, a public issue or offer of shares is to be made. In the meantime the London and Thames Haven Company are to lend financial assistance to the Irish company, and in Mr. Burgess's view they will thus be able to replace the income which they may

lose from the declining side of its business. * * * *