NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3330, 9 January 1918, Page 10

NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE.

PROSPECTS OF SHIPPING BRIGHT. WELLINGTON, January 2. Referring to the increased shipping freights to-day, the Prime Minister said'he realised that the figures would come as something of a shock to many people who wero exporting New Zealand produce—particularly flax and tallow. The increases were very large indeed, and when insurance and other charges wero added the burden would bo a. serious one; but the Imperial Government, which had full control of shipping and freights, evidently felt that the increases wero necessary. It had to be remembered that 'the voyage to New Zealand was a very long one, and the time of mercantile vessels was becoming more valuable as the war proceeded. The increases, added Mr Massey, would not affect the producers, whose produce had been bought by the Imperial Government, _ since the purchases made by the Imperial Supplies Department were on an f.o.b. basis. The Imperial Government, as the buyer, paid the freight. Practically all the privately-owned butter had been moved already. There was some consolation to be derived from the fact that the Imperial authorities evidently were making efforts to find shipping for all the New Zealand produce. The supply of ships during the month of January promised to bo particularly good.