PRODUCERS' SHIPPING LINE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18310, 29 July 1921, Page 5

PRODUCERS' SHIPPING LINE

PROPOSAL TAKING SHAPE.

DISCUSSED BY FARMERS’ UNION,

(Pee United Peess Association.) WELLINGTON, July 28. At the Dominion Farmers’ Union Conference an amendment was moved to a motion that the conference favoured a State-aided dominion shipping comjfkny. The amendment reads: —“That owing to the high prices of freight on produce, and the difficulty of getting it away, producers, merchants, and importers should take into serious consideration the advisability of finding their own shipping.” One speaker said that a levy of 1 per cent, on exports would provide sufficient capital to enable the producers to establish their own shipping line, and all thai was required was the necessary legislation to enable such a levy to bo made. He estimated that 20 ships would suffice, ana that the capital required would be £5,000,000. Motion and amendment were withdrawn in favour of a motion by Mr Lysnar, M.P. —“That in the opinion of the conference tho establishment of a producers' shipping company should he energetically proceeded with; and as soon as the Producers’ Committee can make its scheme public, a further conference of the Dominion Farmers’ Union be convened to consider tho scheme.” This motion was carried.

QUESTION ADJOURNED. TO AWAIT MR MASSEY’S RETURN. WELLINGTON, July 28. After some discussion to-day concerning the establishment of a shipping- line, the Farmers’ Union Conference passed the following resolution : —“That in the opinion of this conference the establishment of a Producers’ Shipping Company should be energetically proceeded with, and. as soon rvs the Producers] Committee can make their scheme public a further conference of the Dominion Fhrmers’ Union bo held.’’ Sir Francis Bell (Aoting-Prime Minister) said the whole shipping position, including the question of State subvention, had been discussed by Cabinet, and it had also been considered in England by Mr Massey. It had been decided that the whole matter stand over for further consideration until Mr Massey’s return about the end of September.