SHORTAGE OF BOTTOMS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XLII, Issue 12822, 14 April 1916, Page 7

SHORTAGE OF BOTTOMS.

Per Press Association*. Palmerston North, April 13. A meeting °f the Klaxin tilers' Association was field to-tiny to consider the position in regard to" the shortage oF tonnage. Tho president (Mr C C. HigginsoiO said the tonnage available was altogetlier inadequate to curry the l)a~ ininion produce as well as flax. To go on producing under such circumstances was only inviting trouble for ithe'nax trade, as the stores were already overfall'. Exporters could not lie expected to go on buying flax which they conld neither store nor ship. The matter was of vital importance to the Dominion, and the Government ought to take steps to provide additional tonjiage. The flaxmillers diseased; the position thoroughly, bub realised they were •'up against it," and that nothing but tho quick appearance of ships could save the situation. . Ifc was finally resolved that the miU- j ors cease railing at Easter and that.thev close down for a month and meet again in Hay to review the situation. Nelson, April 13. There is a serious position in regard to the Nelson apple crop owing to the .shortage of tonnage preventing shipment- to excellent markets. This has been emphasised by the Evening Mail, which urges a national apple campaign to popularise the king of fruit. Mr H G. Hill has brought matter unofficially before the Board of Trade, suggesting a campaign to supply all parts of the Dominion at a cheap rate if required. The Board of Trade will take evidence here, as such a request will probably lie made by the Fruit Grow, ers' Association. It is kelieved that the ideas of a national campaign will catch on, and that Government assistance and cheap railway rates and shipping companies' cheap freights will follow. The Board of Trade proceeded to Wellington to-day.