SHORTAGE OF SHIPPING.

Marlborough Express, Volume LI, Issue 184, 6 August 1917, Page 2

SHORTAGE OF SHIPPING.

The effect upon. Australia of the shortage of shipping was, recently reviewed by the Primo Minister -of the Commonwealth, Ho frankly declared that the situation was very grave. He declared that there was accumulated in Australia cargo sufficient for 15 refrigerated steamers and 548 general cargo ships. While tho number of vessels-of the latter class was severely limited, those possessing refrigerated space had been reduced almost to zero. Although the British Government had contracted to move 60l),00O tons of wheat a month, not one bushel was shipped in June, and it was: estimated that unless some unforeseen outlet was discovered, theire would be 6,000,000 tons of wheat in the country by next February. The financial position had been enormously relieved'by the action of the Imperial authorities in purchasing the new season's wool clip at the same price as last year's, but so far as he could see there was no solution of the difficulty of exporting beef and mutton. Already all the storage accommodation was full. It-was proposed to assist the fruit industry by developing as far as possible the consumption of fresh fruit, and canning or preserving as much as possible. Mr Hughes said the Government hoped to establish the shipbuilding industry without delay, but unless the unions concerned gave their assistance nothing could be done.