SHIPPING FOR N.Z.

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27496, 2 November 1954, Page 12

SHIPPING FOR N.Z.

“SERIOUS SHORTAGE” AFTER DECEMBER PARTIAL EASING WITH SHIPS IN BALLAST (New Zealand Press Association) NEW PLYMOUTH, November 1. A serious shortage of ships from the end of December as a result of the English dock strike is predicted by the general manager of the New Zealand Shipping Company, Ltd. (Mr F. W. Spite, of Wellington). This will result, he thinks, from the immobilisation of a great number of ships for varying periods of up to a month by the strike and for further periods while they are waiting for berths. This serious shortage, Mr Spite said at New Plymouth this afternoon, could only partly be met by the dispatch of ships in ballast. “Ships now discharging and crossing over from Australia will cover Homeward-bound shipping required up to the end of December,” he said.’ “Vessels becoming available for loading in January-February will be largely provided by ships the overseas lines will ballast from the United Kingdom/ This sacrifice must be made by the overseas lines to give dairy produce cool stores and freezing works the necessary clearance to prevent any stoppage of intake of the production of the dairy factories and cessation of killings at freezing works.” Mr Spite added that a considerable number of outward charters at great expense would undoubtedly have to be arranged to look after the heavy accumulation of outward cargoes which must be handled as expeditiously as possible.