FOODS AWAITING EXPORT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3348, 15 May 1918, Page 7

FOODS AWAITING EXPORT.

PRESSURE ON STORAGE SPACE. (From Our Own Correspondent.)

AUCKLAND, May 9. The congestion in Auckland stores, both as regards commodities requiring cold storage and other products for export, is stated by merchants to be extremely serious Practically all the available space is heavily taxed, and there does not appear to be much prospect of any substantial shipments beins made in the near future. Inquiries from exporters elicited the information that there was a great accumulation of hemp, tallow, and pelts. It had been anticipated that the congestion would be relieved by sailing vessels running to America, but it is now understood that these will not be available. i_ij.ji.ux A prominent produce merchant stated that the position in respect to tallow was particularly serious, inasmuch as the importation of tallow into the United States was prohibited for all shipments not made before May 13. In respect to hemp, pelts, and hides, there was great congestion, while the position in regard to hides had not been satisfactorily adjusted between the exporters and the Government, thus making matters worse. Fortunately the flax mills would be closing for the winter at the end of May, and the cessation of supplies would probably enable the stocks in store to be reduced before the resumption of milling operations. The cheese and butter output had been cleared up to January and February respectively, and the position in respect to these commodities was fairly satisfactory, as there was a chance of the present stocks beinpr cleared before the beginning of next season. In view of the present congestion in all the stores, however, it was regrettable that a vessel should have been allowed to leave Auckland recently with cargo space for hundreds of tons unfilled. He thought legislation should bo passed to prevent ships from leaving dominion porta until they were fully loaded