NEW ZEALAND PRODUCTS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 14637, 21 June 1918, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND PRODUCTS.

HEAVY ADVANCES AGAINST MEAT NEXT SEASON'S PURCHASE. j SHIPPING PROSPECTS. {Special to the Herald.) WELLINGTON, this day. Since the arrival of Mr. Massey and ; Sir Joseph Ward in England matters connected with New Zealand's primary products , have rapidly developed. It is reported that the Imperial Supplies De- ' partment is prepared to renew the agree- j ment to take next season's output of New Zealand meat at the former prices, though final details have not been arranged. An important announcement affecting the large quantity of meat still in store in New Zealand was made by Mr. Guthrie. The Imperial Government, he said, has agreed to advance three I millions. 'against this meat on a basis of 75 per cent, of the value of last season's meat totalling 450,000 carcases, absorbing £r337,000j leaving a balance of £2,663.000 for division in respect to this season's meat stored up till May 31. This means about 48 per cent, advance against the total value. The distribution takes place immediately under the control of the Imperial Supplies branch. The tonnage question has also . received Attention at Home. Mr. v Guthrie states that for June and July there, will be a .fair-clear-ance of meat from New Zealand, while during August it may be possible to have a further sntisfactory clearance, "but," adds the 'Minister, "there -is nothing definite on the subject owing to the difficulty . which may arise through ships which we expect not arriving. No in* formation is procurable regarding ton-nsi-ge. for the remainder of the year." The business community has long had a shrewd idea that, the tonnage position is not so good as last year. Tho Minister's statement now confirms it,, as Mr. Massey at this time in 1917 was able to speak hopefully of tonnage till December! However, the Imperial advances aqainst stored produce pi'ovide a substantial set ,off against lack of shipping. Questioned regarding the butter and cheese purchase next .season, Mr. Guthrie: replied that nothing had been definitely'; settled, nor could he state the amount of surplus profit from this season's buttei* ' for distribution among New Zealand, factories. " $