TIN PLATE REQUIREMENTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3331, 16 January 1918, Page 43

TIN PLATE REQUIREMENTS.

SUPPLIES FOR NEW ZEALAND. WELLINGTON, January 9. The Minister in Charge of Munitions and Supplies, interviewed with regard to supplies of tinplate, stated that the High Commissioner recently cabled stating that ho had been able to arrange for what might be regarded as satisfactory supplies under war conditions for use in ' the dominion. The position with regard to supplies in the United Kingdom was that the Ministry of Munitions there had set up a committee for tho purposo of allocating supplies, the different dominions being rationed with so much for each. The High Commissioner advised that approximately 2658 tons of tin plate will probably be mode available for shipment to the dominion during JanuaryJuno, 1918. It is proposed to allot this quantity in accordance with a schedule showing New Zealand's full requirements, which was prepared in September last, and forwarded to London by the Minister's department. The Minister stated that, as far as ho' could judge, the quantity allotted to New Zealand would meet the full requirements of the dominion for'most essential purposes. However, in the event of reduced supplies being available after June, the question of giving preference to certain essential trades, such as meat, milk, fish, fruit, eta —would have to be given consideration. As regards black plate, steel sheets, and steel plates generally, Mr Myers stated that from past advices it would appear that the question of New Zealand's requirements is now under consideration in London. Upon j receipt of advice as to the result, the Minister will be pleased to give further particulars. His advice'goes to indicate that the Ministry of Munitions is endeavouring to make available the moderato quantities ■which are required for essential and national (purposes.