THE TRADE WAR.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17078, 29 January 1916, Page 9

THE TRADE WAR.

WOOD PULP QUESTION. NEWSPAPERS MAY BE REDUCED. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON. January 27. A deputation of the Pnpormakers’ Association met Mr Runciman. It was rumoured that the Government intends to prohibit 60 per cent of the quantity of wood pulp imported, in order to keep the money in the country and cope with the shipping difficulty. The newspapers are considering the question of reducing the size 40 per cent and prohibiting the return of unsold newspapers. The Government similarly contempplates the prohibition of importation of kinema films. A message from Delhi states that the authorities in India favour extensive experiments in manufacturing paper from sabai grass and bamboo. NO UNFAIR ADVANTAGE. (Received January 28, 9.50 p.m.) LONDON, January 27. Sir R. W. Essex, in the House of Commons, expressed the hope that the prohibition of the import of paper pulp would not operate adversely in respect to newspapers which had not their own means of supply. Mr Runciman said that all arrangelents would be equitable, and would' not give an unfair privilege to anybody. TO RELIEVE SHIPPINC. IMPORTS TO BE CUT DOWN. NON-ESSENTIALS MIGHT BE PROHIBITED. LONDON, January 27. Mr Runciman states that in order to relieve shipping tonnage, tho Government has decided to cut down nonessential imports. Paper pulp and other paper-making essentials will be dealt with first. These materials absorbed two million tons of space annually. The whole of the British mercantile marine is under the Government, in order that it may be used to the best advantage of the Allies. The Government will be assisted by a small committee, of which Lord Curzon will be chairman. The import of raw tobacco, building materials, furniture woods, veneer and some fruits might shortly be prohibited. A full statement of the methods will be announced as soon as possible. The export of waste paper and rags is to be prohi-

bited, and the list might be extended until the strain on tonnage is eased.