SERIOUS POSITION

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11366, 13 November 1922, Page 5

SERIOUS POSITION

NELSON FRUITGROWERS PROPOSED MOTOR SERA’ICE ACROSS OOOK STRAIT. SUGAR AA T ANTED FOR JAM. A somewhat serious position arises in regard to the transit of the fruit from Nelson to the market in AYellington, as these supplies have been regularly conveyed on the Nelson and Picton boats, but in this direction also the inquiries made by the “Times” revealed a possible source of help, not only in bringing fruit from Nelson and Picton to Wellington, but in transporting the mails to and from the South Island, via the same ports and forwarding by rail and coach. This is referred to lateT, but if the suggestion is a practical one the same route might also be used for obtaining regular supplies of yeast, from the makers at Christchurch, who supply practically the whole of the AA'ellington province. GROWERS HANDICAPPED SUPPLIES FOR THE MARKET. The stoppage of the boats is a very serious matter for the fruit growers in Nelson, for they are just getting their early strawberries, gooseberries, and tomatoes on the market, and the first consignment of plums only came into Wellington on Thursday afternoon. These early supplies fetch good prices, and unless they can be disposed of will entail a heavy loss on the growers. SUGAR FOR JAM HOAA 7 CAN THEY GET IT? Just on the end of the week a Nelson fruitgrower was inquiring in Wellington for supplies of sugar for the purpose of making strawberry jam, but in the first case large supplies were not available and then the shipping hold-up stopped the business proceeding. Tne grower intimated that he would try and get a motor-boat — perhaps one of the fishermen’s boats —to bring the fruit into AVellington for dessert or preserving. AVhen the “Times” reporter heard of this conversation he made inquiries among the Island Bay fishermen, but could not ascertain that any arrangement of the kind had been come to with them. MOTOR FISHING BOATS READY TO TACKLE JOB. The next inquiry was of the owner of the largest motor-boat—a kerosene boat—-55ft long with So horße-power. They were fitting up to go out yesterday trawling in the Strait. Providing they are not infringing any regulations of the Marine Department, they say they are willing to make terms not only to fetch fruit from Nelson and Picton, but to carry mails, and other goods which could be conveyed in small boats of this kind, either way. “Of course it would be more expensive than the usual steamer service,” said one, “but it is a service that may save much heavy loss.” There are in the Island Bay district half a a dozen of these motorboats capable of crew ing the Strait, and with a carryir-; capacity varying from 7 to about 12 tons.

Nelson is rather a long run except for the very largest boat, and it seems that if the fruit could he nailed or roaded to Picton, the boats would rather make the Picton journey and hack. If necessary they could make nearly two return journeys in the 24 hours. It would not, it is said, be a difficult matter to get yeast by Tail from Christchurch to Picton, and have it brought across the Strait by tbe boats in the same way. SITUATION IN AUCKLAND AMPLE STOCKS OF FLOUR. THE UNFORTUNATE WATER SIDERS. \ AUCKLAND, November 12. There are ample stocks of flour in Auckland. Millers state that only the usual orders will be filled. Regarding general supplies for tbe coastal districts scows are doing excellent work. Provided no grave situation develops no serious difficulty is anticipated. Local potatoes are coming in, obviating supplies from the south, while with the abundance of green feed the lack of chaff will hardly be. noticed. A few lines manufactured in the south will he short next week. The supplies of dried fruits for Christmas will be ample. Tho most serious effect concerns the employment of watersiders, especially this week. AVorlc will be provided only by three vessels in port, the Tainui, discharging general cargo, tha Fiona, unloading sugar, and tho Glaucus, loading general cargo. Tho Kaituna, with coal from the West Coast, and the AA'ailiemo, with general cargo from San Francisco, are the only arrivals during the week. One largo carrying firm has given notice to its carters as a precautionary measure. There is already in sight a shortage of steam coal, but tbe gas company has a three months’ supply. The crew of two auxiliary vessels in the coastal trade have given notice. Others are expected to follow. Thu will be serious for the coastal dairy companies, as their output has been exceptionally large, and their cool storage is limited. FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS SEAMEN AT NAPIER DISPLEASED. NAPIER, November 11. The crews of the coastal steamerr Fanny, Te Aroha, lluru, and Konu gave notice to-day, and will be paid off on Monday. The action taken is not popular with tbe seamen, ivho aro apparently acting according to instruc tions. THE LEGAL POSITION WILL ACTION KTv TAKEN? There lias been some iH'soussion in shipping circles regarding the legal position of the dispute. AVhethcr or not this aspect will be discussed at today's meeting of the Shipowners’ Federation is not known, hut the opinion is held that some action will bo taken either hv the shipowners or the Labour Department.