TRADE AND SHIPPING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15717, 18 September 1914, Page 6

TRADE AND SHIPPING.

PRODUCTION OF SPELTER.

RAILWAY COMPENSATION.

London, September 16.

The Daily Mail says that it is probable that smelting works will be opened in England shortly capable of producing fifty thousand tons of spelter annually. Experts are investigating sites and studying the latest American methods. It is possible that the Government will support the venture, in view of the importance of spelter, which is zinc in ingot form, in the manufacture of war material.

The Government has agreed to compensate the railway companies to the extent of the aggregate net receipts while the Government is in possession of the lines, if they fall short of the receipts for the corresponding period last year.

GOODS ON BRITISH SHIPS.

AUSTRALASIAN TRADE.

London, September 16.

The Australasian Merchants' Association discussed the efforts being made in New York to retain the Australasian trade for German steamship companies hitherto engaged in that trade by arranging for the carriage of goods in British bottoms during the war.

The meeting resolved to strongly recommend the association's members and all Australasian exporters and importers to confine shipments to steamers approved by the Norton Lilly Company of New York, who represent British shipowners. The same resolution was passed by the Australasian section of the London Chamber of Commerce.

WHEAT STOCKS IN SYDNEY

GOVERNMENT SEIZURE.

(Received September 17, 10.40 p.m.)

Sydney, September 17.

The Premier of New South Wales, Mr. W. A. Holman, announced that the Government would not curtail its British importations on account of the war. British shipping was not menaced, and there was no reason to curtail the Australian business.

A number of firms are holding farmers' wheat, and have declined to fill orders at the price fixed by the commission, on the ground that they are below their clients' demands.

Giving evidence before the Sale of Commodities Commission, prominent wheat buyers said that the general opinion was that the price fixed in Sydney was absurd. The local wheat market is paralysed. Sellers are refusing 4s lOd.

A deputation of millers advised the Minister that they were unable to purchase wheat at the price fixed by the commission.

The Executive Council has issued

a proclamation authorising the seizure of 140,000 bags of wheat lying at Darling Harbour, in order to supply millers at the standard price.

RELEASE OF THE NOORDAM

HOLLAND-AMERICAN LINER. 'Received September 17, 850 m.) London, September 16.

The Holland-American liner Noordam, which was captured and brought to Queenßtown when bound

from New York to Rotterdam, has been released.