STEEL SUPPLIES FOR N.Z.

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25638, 29 October 1948, Page 6

STEEL SUPPLIES FOR N.Z.

—♦—— PROBABLE RELIEF OF SHORTAGE A prediction that by 1952, Australia “ ld ProbaWy be able to satisfy all New Zealand s steel needs, was made last evening ln Christchurch by Mr J J. Murray Australian Trade Commissioner m New Zealand. “We now jexport to New Zealand about £1 250,000 worth of steel each year, while steel m our own country “ ” very : short su PP’y." he said. Flans are in progress for stepping up steel production m Australia. It is my personal opinion that in the future New ■Zealand s needs of steel will be provided by my country. I should think that while the position may improve by 1952 the position should be quite easy. I think that Australia will continue to provide the cheapest steel in world, as she ls doing to-day, because of her iron ore and coal resources. But I would regard the immediate future of steel supplies with some caution. “The question of shipping is a very important factor in steel supplies from Australia or any other country. When steel supplies pile up in transit sheds through lack of shipping, the- t&idency is to neglect the increased supply demanded. Empty transit sheds beget increased supplies; hence the supply position depends very vitally on shipping availability.”