SHORTAGE OF STEAMERS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14846, 25 February 1919, Page 2

SHORTAGE OF STEAMERS.

DELAY TN HANDLING PRODUCE. ' (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, last night. I The following is a copy of a circular forwarded' by the Overseas -Ship-owners' Committee to all freezing companies in New Zealand : — "Owing to delays in the United Kingdom insulated steamers are coming forward later than was expectad, and it is considered advisable to acquaint the freezing companies with the position as it is at present. It appears that after the recent allotment of February and the early March steamers, the following steamers represent the earliest measure of. relief, and they will be available for Homeward loading as stated : Port Mel- ' bourne, middle of March; Hororata, late iii March; Ayana, first half of April; Athenic. first half of April ; and the Rimutaka, second half of April. No adfvice has yet been received of the sailing of the following steamers, which had been listed for Homeward loading from New Zealand : Corinthic, Armagh, Raranga, Kaikoura, lonic, and Tainui. Tt is probable that the majority will not be available for Homeward loading before the end of April or during May. Deductions from insulated space will, of course, haye to be made for the necessary quantity of dairy produce required by the Imperial authorities. Efforts have been- made by this committee to secure additional and prompt tonnage for New Zealand, but a reply to hand indicates that the allotment of tonnage has been made in conjuncticn with the Board of Trade, the Ministry of Shipping, and * the Food Controller, and could not be increased."' j