THE FOOD SITUATION IN BRITAIN

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3096, 29 May 1917, Page 5

THE FOOD SITUATION IN BRITAIN

OUTLOOK IMPROVED.

London, May 27. Captain Bathurst, Parliamentary Secretary to the Food Ministry, states that the reserves of foodstuffs have improved, and that he anticipated a bumper crop of potatoes. The Government proposed to fix the price of bread, and the Wheat Commission might find it necessary to sell wheat under cost price. Supplies of sugar from America would be available.— Reuter. ' STORING AUSTRALIAN WHEAT TILL SHIPS COME. Melbourne, May 28. Owing to tho lack of shipping facilities the Federal Government has decided to provide permanent storage accommodation for wheat in each State.—Press Assn.

One of the most important industries of tho world to-day, that of building .ships for oversea trade, will probably be started at the Walsh Island Government Dockyard in the very near future (states the "Sydney Morning: Herald"). Tho proposal has reached such a stngo of advancement, and the opportunity for starting the works seems to be so great, that it is expected the Federal Government will decide to carry out the undertaking. Mr. A. E. Cutler, chief engineer at WaMi Island Government Dockyard, said that he had an interview in Melbourne with the Prime Minister (Mr. Hughes) and the Deputy Premier (Mr. Fuller). in regard to a proposition to build composite vessels of 158 ft. x 36ft. x 18ft. Gin., having a speed of 13 knots, and a carrying capacity of 2000 tons. He pointed, out that the island was in a position to start work immediately, as the staff had been busily occupied for some days working long hours in order to have the plans and designs completed. The vessel designed was suitable for ordinary trading purposes, but not for long-distance voyages. It was ascertained that that plan did not coincide in all respects with tho views of the Commonwealth, and, although it was still possible that that vessel might be commenced at an early date, another design had been started of a vessel 305 ft. x 42ft. x 2tft., with a carrying capacity of 3000 tons and a speed of about 101- knots. Whilst tho vessel of the first design could be commenced nt once, added Mr. Cutler, certain preparations would have to be undertaken before the larger vessel could be started, and it was therefore hoped that Walsh Island would be entrusted with tho work of constructing the smaller one. That would not hinder the work of constructing the larger vessel. The building of a 6econd ship would only mean a continuity of work, and its final completion would in no way bo delayed by the construction of the smaller vessel.

(Tho cable news in this issue accredited fo the London "Timea" lias appeared in that journal but only where expressly rtated is such news the editorial opinion of Tho "Times.")