CONGESTION OF EXPORTS

Evening Post, Volume XCV, Issue 111, 10 May 1918, Page 2

CONGESTION OF EXPORTS

SERIOUS POSITION AT AUCKLAND.

(BX TBLBGRAPH.—SPECIAL TO THE POST.)

AUCKLAND, This Day.

The congestion on the Auckland stores, both as regards commodities requiring cold storage and other products for oxport, is stated by merchants to be extremely serious. Practically all the available space is heavily tax«jd, and there does not appear to be much prospect of any substantial shipments being made in the near future. Enquiries from exporters have- elicited the information that there was a great accumulation of hemp, iallow, and pelts. It had been anticipated that the congestion would be relieved by. sailing vessels running, to America,, but it is now understood that these will not be available. Prominent local produce merchants stated fliat the position in respect to tallow is particularly serious, inasmuch as the importation, of tallow into the United States was prohibited for all shipments not made before 13th May. In reepeet to hemp, pelts, and hides he said there was great congestion, while the position in regard to' hides had not been satisfactorily adjusted between the exporters and Government, thus making the matter worse. Fortunately the flaxmills would be closing for the winter at the end of May, and the cessation of supplies •'would probably Enable stocks' in store to be reduced before resumption. of milling operations. ' The cheese and butter output had;, been . cleared up to January and February, respectively, and the position in respect .to these commodities was fairly satisfactory as there was chance of present stocks being cleared before the beginning of nest season. In view of the present congestion fo, all stores, however, he said that it -was regrettable tKat a vessel should have been allowed to leave Auckland recently with cargo spacs for hundreds of tons unfilled. He thought legislation should be passed tc- prevent sh ips' leaving JDommion ports until they weru fully loaded.