SHORTAGE OF SHIPS

Otago Witness, Issue 3197, 23 June 1915, Page 4

SHORTAGE OF SHIPS

A SERIOUS POSITION ARISING. AUCKLAND COMPLAINTS VOICED AUCKLAND, Juno 18. As a result, of a meeting of members of Parliament and others interested in the commercial welfare of Auckland, very strong pressure will bo brought to bear on the Government to take more effective action in relieving difficulties arising out of the shortage of ships. The meeting was held at the Chamber of Commerce, under the presidency of Mr Robert Burns, and those who took part in the debate were most outspoken with regard to tho urgency of the ca.se. Questions were asked as to the constitution of the committee which the Government had set up to allocate space available for the export of frozen produce. Some of tho speakers pointed out that an overpowering majority' of tho committee represented shipping companies, whose interests were bound up with those of the freezing companies carrying on business in other parts of the dominion. This was regarded by some as being the explanation of tho unfair proportion of space being granted to Auckland. A strong plea for direct representation on the committee was put forward. Another matter dwelt upon was the need for more insulated storage space; but doubts were expressed as to whether the increases could be effected in time to be of use clnripnr tbo present season. Th.o opinions of tho conference are to bo brought into prominence at the seat of Government without delay.

The serious position that has arisen in connection with the shortage of ships, and the congestion that is taking place with the exportable produce, of Auckland, was mentioned at the meeting of the committee of the Auckland A. and P. Association this afternoon. The president (Mr S. W. Luxford) said that ono of our greatest industries was threatened with paralysis. The shortage of space appeared to have been brou g lit about by the fact that a number of our vessels were commandeered to carry troops, and wo did not know where _ we were. The butter season would open in a couple of months, and we could not arrange for the shipment of our dairy produce then. It was urgent, Mr liiixford stated, that the Government, in conjunction with the Imperial authorities, should endeavour to cope with whnt was an exceedingly serious position.