SHIPS FOR PRODUCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15824, 22 January 1915, Page 6

SHIPS FOR PRODUCE.

EFFORTS OF GOVERNMENT.

ELEVEN VESSELS FOR NEXT

MONTH

NINE CERTAIN FOR MARCH.

[BY teleqbath.—own CORRESPONDENT.]

Wellington, Thursday.

As far as can be seen at present the requirements for the United Kingdom for January for frozen meat and dairy produce will be fairly well met. There may be a little pinch here and there, but the general consensus of opinion is to the effect that the . shipping facilities have been as satisfactory as could be expected under the conditions that exist. It may be mentioned that Australia is still commandeering insulated ships for the conveyance of troops to the front, and that the authorities have taken one or more of the insulated boats that trade to and from New Zealand.

"For the month of February," states the Prime Minister, "it is estimated by those competent to form an opinion that 11 steamers will be required to deal with the cargoes available, and from the latest information the steamers will be the Orari, Otaki, Remuera, Kaikoura, Corinthic, Waimana, Atheidc, Niwaru, Mimiro, Makarini, and Westmeath. Of these vessels the Orari, Waimana and Athenic have been specially brought to the Dominion after having conveyed the expeditionary forces to Egypt. It is early yet to say how far the requirements for March will be provided for, but 60 far it can be stated with certainty that the Rotorua, Ruahine, Matatua, Karamea, Kumara, Tainui, Pakeha, Murit-ai, and Star of Australia will be available. The Muritai is being brought out in ballast from the Old Country, having been released by the Admiralty in consequence of the representations made by the New Zealand Government. Very great efforts have been made to secure the Suffolk, which has been under Admiralty orders for some time, but so far, as" the result of much correspondence, no definite information is available.

"For April, the steamers so far reported to be available are the Ruapehu, furakina, lonic. Zealandia, Arawa, and Hawke's Bay. Representations have also been made to secure the Hororata, nov en route to Australia, and in view of the engagement of this steamer in Australia, it was thought that she might come first to New Zealand for loading and then return to Australia to complete her obligations. In respect to this application, the ultimate issue is in doubt. Attempts have also been made to secure the Marere and Star of Victoria, both steamers having Australian engagements, but the Commonwealth Government has not, so far been able to promise their release. '

" In addition, on the general question of securing further vessels from Great Britain and bringing them out in ballast, the High Commissioner has notified the Government that there is no chance of securing any steamers, as the companies are unable to send out any vessels in ballast One inquiries made in Australia show that all vessels on the berths are fu'Jy booked." '