IMPERIAL FOOD REQUISITION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLI, Issue 11400, 20 November 1917, Page 7

IMPERIAL FOOD REQUISITION.

MR MASSEY GSVES PARTICULARS

TEMPORARY ADVANCE TO FACTORIES.

Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night. Particulars regarding the requisition by the Imperial Government of the produce of the Dominion and the arrangements being made to handle the present season’s output were supplied in an interview with Mr Massey. ‘ ‘ The quantity of meat estimated to remain in store at the end of November will amount to approximately 2,000,000 001 b carcases as against 101,311 on the same date of last year,” said the Prime Minister. ‘ ‘ Agreat deal has been done in the direction of providing further storage accommodation at the freezing works and this new storage, when completed, will provide space for an additional 1,342,700 601 b carcases, of which 729,700 will be in the North Island and 603,000 in the South Island. The completion of additions and extensions is, to a groat extent, dependent upon the arrival of necessary material, but a very large proportion should bo available this season. Rpace for a considerable quantity of the new season’s cheese will be available in steamers leaving this month. The total number of crates exported from the Dominion during the twelve months ending October 31st, 1917, amounted to 496,357 crates, valued at £3,102,231. The total shipments of butter from the Dominion during the twelve months, ending October 31st last amounted to 781,648 boxes. In regard to wool, practically the whole of the 1916-1917 clip has now been valued. Since the commencement of the Imperial Government's requisition 501,301 bales of wool had been purchased to November 3rd, valued at £11,053,466, and 360,243 bales had been shipped. The Imperial Government had expressed its desire to continue the purchase of the freezing companies’ slipe wool on the same terms as last year, and this matter was now receiving attention. ’ ’ "A statement has been made that the arrangements for the sale of the dairy produce of the Dominion have been very protracted, ”, said the Prime Minister in a speech at Iviakan. “Prices have now been fixed and most of the conditions arranged with the Imperial authorities and the prices are slightly better than most people imagine. lam just in receipt of important advice from the Imperial Government about the matter, and prices and conditions will be announced by me, in Wellington, to representatives of the Ministry when I return.

I ■' The responsibility will bo placed upon the Imperial Government .to see that sufficient shipping is provided to take the produce to Britain. Our representative at Home, backed up by our own representations, was unable to induce the Food Controller to make a short advance on supplies of butter and cheese going into store this month. After a certain amount of difficulty, because it was really not provided for by Parliament, the Finance Minister and myself have been able to make arrangements for an advance of £5 a crate on cheese and £3 a box on butter from the Government funds for this month, to enable the dairy companies to meet their obligations. It is practically certain that within the next few days tho whole of the details will bo settled, and by next month the Imperial Government will have taken over a part of our produce, for which tho money will be immediately available.*’