Cabinet Discusses Possible Shortage Of Export Ships

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28154, 18 December 1956, Page 16

Cabinet Discusses Possible Shortage Of Export Ships

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, December 17. The possibility of a shortage of overseas shipping from February onwards, the month in which some of the heaviest export shipments from New Zealand take place, is being considered by the Cabinet. The prospective shortage is ascribed primarily to the blockage of the Suez Canal, but delays at export works because of adverse weather in the spring are also a factor.

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr K. J. Holyoake) confirmed tonight that the Cabinet at its weekly meeting today had given preliminary consideration to the matter. Mr Holyoake presided at the Cabinet meeting in the absence of the Prime Minister (Mr Holland), who is in Christchurch for the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh. “A shortage of shipping in the summer and autumn, when the normally high exports will be swelled by extra production because of the late start at export works, could be a very serious matter for this country,’’ Mr Holyoake said. “The Government is watching developments closely, and will certainly do what it can to help in conjunction with producer organisations and the shinning companies. “There is no reason for alarm at the moment, but it does seem that there are going to be difficulties.”

Mr Holyoake will discuss shipping with representatives of the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board on Thursday. He will also meet representatives of other producer organisations as the occasion arises. Although New Zealand refrigerated cargoes do not normally go through the Suez Canal, the closing of the canal will affect some refrigerated ships which load in New Zealand. These will be ships which carry cargo from the United Kingdom to Australia and then come to New Zealand to load frozen produce, said Mr Holyoake. Schedules for these ships would suffer considerable disruption because of the closing of the canal, and this v>ould be reflected in services to New Zealand. “Adverse spring weather, through its effect at export works, resulted in many ships leaving New Zealand during October. November, and December without refrigerated cargoes, added the Minister. “The New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board reported last month that the first two shipments of lamb this season were less than half the first two shipments last season and in the 1954 season. Lamb carcases shipped in the first two shipments this year totalled 110.000. compared with 240.000 in the first two. shipments last year and 260.000 in the first two shipments in 1954.”