FINANCIAL SHOCK

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 103, 29 October 1945, Page 8

FINANCIAL SHOCK

DIVERSION OF SHIPS

ATTRIBUTED TO GO SLOW

P.A. - This Day. Eleven ships due to load refrigerated cargo at Auckland for the Central Pacific during the next few weeks have been diverted, and as a result some 26,000 tons of produce, valued at between three and four million dollars, will remain in store. Some or the vessels were en route to New Zealand last week when . the order of cancellation was received from Admiral Nimitz's headquarters. It is understood that this action was taken because of the. result of.,the slow tactics of the Auckland waterside workers, although officials, of the United States Joint Purchasing Board would say nothing when questioned on this point. Most of the meat, dairy products, and vegetables intended^ for the vessels is already in store; About half the shipments consists of dairy produce. It is believed that news of the cancellation came as a bombshell in Government circles, where the loss of much-needed dollar funds will be viewed seriously. On the other hand, the action of the American authorities is not expected to be a severe blow to the Dominion's economy, since the greater part of the goods can be fhipped to Britain. Some loss may be incurred in connection with the supply of vegetables for refrigeration. It is pointed out that the rejected goods are not part of the cancelled American contracts under reciprocal aid, but constitute surpluses which the Americans were to have taken on 3 cash payment basis. During the goslow on the wharf recently, the loading of the American ship Platano was considerably delayed.