SHIPMENT OF PRODUCE.

North Otago Times, Volume CV, Issue 13929, 11 July 1917, Page 4

SHIPMENT OF PRODUCE.

Speaking at Pukekohe 1 on Monday evoning Mi- Maasey specially referred to the shipping problem, and lie made the reassuring statement that material relief would to forthcoming within the next three months. The matter of shipping space is becoming so serious that Mo trust, the Government will do their utmost impress upon the imperial authorities the need of immediate relief, it is stated 011 the best authority that there arc nearly three million carcases of meat in yie freezing works of the Dominion, in addition to 250,000 boxes of butter and 100,000 eases of cheese. Some idea of the vai.it accumulation of produce can ho ganged from the fact that it is estimated that fifty vessels of a carrying capacity of 00,000 earcases each, arc needed to clear out the mutton which is now in store Oiir purpose iii calling attention t J Masscv's promise is to impress upon the local commercial and agricultural authorities the urg''"cy of action. Doubtless .there will, be only a limited space available, and the people who get in inst should have the best chance of receiving consideration. The local freezing works has in store tens of thousands of carcases which must be held over until next year unless the Government, having succeeded'in secunng the much-needed, shipping onnage, can be prevailed upon to Allocate a reasonable proportion of the space to this district. It is all very well for politicians to state with all the glibness characteristic 0 party days, that everything is a uglit and that the producers have nothing to fear, but the fact remains that a very serious situation laces the producers of this country, unless a very radical change eventuates, so far as ship--I'ing space is concerned, within the next few months. It would be a sad.ont.look indeed if the new season s butter and cheese begins to come upon-the market before the congestion of supplies has been very materially relieved. The same uncertainty prevails in the meat business, and the Government' must face the position, and use llioir persuasive powers upon the tmpciial authorities. In the .meantime, we suggest that the Oamaru Chamber of Commerce applies its energies to the task—a difficult one, no doubt—of making a bold bid to secure for this district a. fan proportion of the shipping space which Mr Massey promises is will be available during the next three months.