SHORTAGE OF TONNAGE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16663, 7 April 1916, Page 93

SHORTAGE OF TONNAGE

A DIFFICULT SITUATION.

WHAT THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING.

(Peb United Press Association.) ' WELLINGTON, April 6. The shortage of tonnage between the United Kingdom and New Zealand; is now making itself oppressively felt 'by exporters of general cargo. Tho trouble was' acute enough before the Matatua was blown up, and this removed a great cargo carrier. On top of that oanie the nQws of tho stranding of the Rangatira, which was also on her way out to load produce in New Zealand in May. Even with these vessels available, there would havo been a tight squeeze to get the cargo away. Both vessels were heavy cargo carriers, and had a combined insulated cargo capacity of approximately 200.000 freight carcases. They would hate loaded here during the end of this month and. May. Thoir loss is irrcparabla From a list of over 50 steamers regularly engaged in tho Now Zealand to United Kingdom trade in refrigerated produce, four have how been entirely removed (for it is feared the -Rangatira will not be refloated)—viz., the Kaipara, Tokamaru, Matatua, and Rangatira. The Prime Minister, recognising the gravity of the position, sent tne following cablegram to the High Commissioner:— " Please indicate to the Board of Trade that additional tonnage is urgently required in May in order to expedite beof shipments and take advantage of the quantities offering at the works. I estimate that the meat in store on April 30 would amount to 2,400,000 601b carcases. The congestion will be very serious, particularly in view of tho Matatua and Rangatira not being avail-' able, and tie Mamari and Middlesex not loading until June." The High Commissioner may be fortunate enough to find tonnage sufficient to meet the need, but tho prospects of his doing so in order that ships may load here during next month are not favourable. As a matter of fact, it is understood that steps liave already been taken to ascertain what can t>o done in this direction, but it has been found impossible to find substitutes. " Nothing is being left undone to provide sufficient ships," said Mr Massey to a reporter to-day. "The above is l only one of many cables passing between the Government and tho British Board of Trade. As far as I airj able to judge, the supply of ships will be very short up to the end of June. If tho present arrangements stand, and we do not lose any more ships, there will be a good supply in Juno. I think thero will be 11 ships arriving in New Zealand in that month, and these will go a long way towards relieving tho congestion. The shipping companies are doing their utmost to cope with tho situation that lias arisen''; but it is exceedingly difficult for them to obtain tonnage of aily description, insulated or otherwise, at the present time, and certainly to take the place of the loading dates of the Matatua, and the Rangatira."