FROZEN PRODUCE TRADE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16288, 22 January 1915, Page 6

FROZEN PRODUCE TRADE

SHIPPING PROSPECTS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, January 21. As fur as can be soon at present the cargo requirements f or the United: Kingdom for January will be fairly well met. linnv may be a little pinch here and there, tint the general converging of opinion is to (•tie eUect that the shipping facilities have en as satisfactory as could be expected unclvr the conditions that exist. It mav be mentioned that Australia is still commandeering* insulated ships for the conveyance of troops to the front, and that the authorities there have taken one or more of the insulated boats that trade to and from New Zealand.

For the month of February," states the Primo Minister, it is estimated l>y those competent to form an opinion that 11 steamers will be required to deal with tho cargoes available, and from the latest information available the steamers will be tho Oran\_ Ofcaki, Rcmuera, Kaikoura, C'orinthie, u'aiinana, Athenic, Niwaru. Makarini, Mimiro, and AVestmeath. Of' these the Orari, Waimana, and Athenio have been specially brought _to the dominion, -after .saving conveyed the Expeditionary Forces to Egypt. It is early yet to say how far the requirements for March will be Provided for, but so lar it eiin be stated with certainfy that the Rotorua. Ruahine. Matatua, Karamea, Kumars,. Tainui. Pakeha, ivluritai, and Star of Australia will be available. The M'uritai is being brought out in ballast from the Old Country, having been released by the Admiralty in consequence of the representations made by tho New Zealand Government. Very pronounced 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, Turakina. lonic, Zealatidia. Arawa. i'.nd Hawke s Bay. Representations have also been made to secure the Hororata. now en route to Australia, and in view of the engagement of this steameT in Australia, it was thought that she might comc 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 Marero and Star of Victoria, both steamers having Australian engagements, but the commonwealth Government has not so far been able to promise th" : r 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 tho Government that there is no chance of seeurintr any steamers, as the companies lire unable to send out any vessels in baliast. The inquiries made in Australia show that all vessels on the, berths aro fully booked.