SHIPS FOR PRODUCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15830, 29 January 1915, Page 7

SHIPS FOR PRODUCE.

SATISFACTORY POSITION.

STATEMENT BY GOVERNMENT.

[BY TET.EHRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION-]

Wellington, Thursday. At a meeting of the directors of the Bristol and Dominions Producers' Association to-day Mr. Lysnar, chairman, reported that the Hon. H. D. Bell had informed him that the Government was not now using and did not propose to use any steamers with refrigerated space for the purpose of transporting troops. Accepting this statement as correct, the board of directors considered that the position was extremely satisfactory, and provided that the shipping companies did not divert the vessels from the New Zealand trade, the congestion of cargo should be relieved at a comparatively early date. At the same meeting a letter was read from the Prime Minister stating, with reference to 1600 quarters of beef at present awaiting shipment at Patea, that the general manager of the New Zealand Shipping Company had informed him that his company was unable to allot any space to non contracting parties. Mr. Massey added that the Government had just concluded arrangements for the return of the insulated steamer Suffolk, which was expected to leave Egypt in a few days and load here for Home.

THE MURITAI DAMAGED.

RESULT OF A COLLISION.

[BY TELEGRAPH-— PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, Thursday.

The Prime Minister has received news that the steamer Muritai, one of the ships commandeered by the Imperial Government for transport purposes, and which was released by arrangement with the New Zealand Government, has been in collision with another vessel, and will have to be docked in Great Britain. Her arrival in New Zealand for the purpose of conveying produce Home as arranged will, therefore, be delayed, as she will be unable to reach the Dominion for some weeks.