FREIGHT FOR AUSTRALIA

Otago Witness, Issue 3201, 21 July 1915, Page 18

FREIGHT FOR AUSTRALIA

MR FISHER COMMUNICATED WITH. VESSEL MAY BE SENT TO BLUFF. That the Hon. Mr Massey is making every effort to secure freight to carry the enormous quantities of produce at present lying in stores in Dunedin and Bluff can be seen from the following telegram which was received on Friday by Mr P. Barr, secretary of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce. Those in authority fully recognise that as the spring grass is now commencing to come on in Australia it is imperative that the produce which has been purchased by_ the commonwealth merchants should be shipped at as early a date as possible, otherwise the Australian farmers will not require the produce, and local merchants will thus suffer a heavy monetary loss. The Prime Minister’s telegram reads:— “Am in’ receipt of following telegram from Prime Minister of Australia with reference to your telegram of July 8. Regret that no detained Gorman ships or others are at present available, but it is possible in the course of the month vessel can be made available for carriage Australian cargo from Bluff. Matter will be kept in mind, and you will be advised further if found vessel can bo spared for this particular business, when further details as to conditions, rate of freight, etc., can be fully discussed. I should be glad of full particulars of cargo which would be obtainable if steamer becomes available.” In connection with these particulars, attention is drawn to an advertisement appearing in our columns this morning relating to the matter. Just prior to the receipt of the foregoing telegram, Mr G. W. Gibson (president of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce) sent the following telegram to Mr Massey. No reply to it has as yet been received:— “Referring to your telegram of the 9th, committee fully appreciate your difficulties present situation, but suggest that possibly Willoehra might be set free for one trip to Australia from Dunedin with produce before being required again for troops.”