WELLINGTON NOTES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16638, 12 January 1920, Page 2

WELLINGTON NOTES.

THE FROZEN MEAT POSITION. OV TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. WELLINGTON, Jan. 10. Statements have been made regarding a shortage of space in the frozen meat stores which it is said will lead to difficulties before the season is over. The exact position, the Prime Minister into me d a reporter to-day, was shown in the following official statement;— “The quantity of meat in-store on December io tor winch no snipping space allocations had ueen made was 3,u34,309 bulb, treight carcases. As .much of tills meat is telescoped, for the purpose ot arriving at tne space occupiea in the works, tins quantity is reducible by approximately 700,000 SOlb. carcases, Leaving the neb amount not provided for on December 15 of 3,234,339 60lb. carcases. The total storage capacity of the works is at present :,:18,36 V blllb. uncut carcases, so by reducing this latter quantity by 3,234,389 carcases previously relerred to, a balance is left capable ot accommodating 4,483,9(8 6UID. uncut carcases.” It is known there is ample storage space in Tlngland for frozen meat and it there is any congestion it is in the London stores alone. Apparently there is some difficulty in handling cargoes at some of the United Kingdom ports, and this may lead to shipping delays, in effect reducing the efficiency of tonnage, bub no other difficulties are known. There is nothing definite regarding the extension of the Imperial meat purchase. The Now Zealand Government is px-essing for an early decision, but the latest advice by cable from the High Commissioner gives little information. It is as follows:—“With reference to your telegram of December 23 the Board of Trade states that the whole question of the extension of meat contracts is at present before the Imperial Government and they cannot give a definite reply yet. They, however, point out that in any case the Board of Trade will be responsible for the shipment of any meat purchased under the present agreement and in cold storage in New Zealand on June SO. THE HIGH COMMISSIONERSHIP. It was reported to-day that Sir Jas. Allen was almost sure to receive the offer of the High Commissionership and that ho would accept this. There is no official information to this effect. Sir Thomas Mackenzie is still High. Commissioner, and when it is decided to terminate his appointment four months’ notice must be given. That notice has not yet been given. When the Government decides to deal with the matter there is no. reason to believe that the most popular rumour will prove incorrect.

COMPULSORY LOAN, SUBSCRIPTION. The Minister of Finance states that the compulsory provisions are in operation in connection with subscriptions to the ten million loan. Notices have been sent out and the effect so far has been quite satisfactory. As has been stated previously,_ the Government is assured of obtaining the full amount of the loan. THE COST OF PAINTS AND OILS. Notwithstanding the great need of many wooden bouses lor renovation their painting is likely to be still further deferred. Prices of paints, also oil, varnish, and whit© lead are such that in a great number of cases where cost must be considered there will he still further postponement. Importers are faced with extreme quotations from manufacturers in both the United Kingdom and the United States. Sometimes prices are withdrawn, sometimes business will only be entertained on prices ruling at'the time of shipment, which may mean anything. The probability is that the plebeian tar pot will be called into use where paints*were formerly applied. Whatever may be indisoensable in the decoration of a dwelling-house may not hinder the use of tar on surfaces that do not matter so much. Wail-pacers and scrim are still exceedingly high in price compared with pre-war rates and the tendency is upwards.