LOSS OF SHIPS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12055, 10 July 1917, Page 4

LOSS OF SHIPS.

REDUCED INSULATED TONNAGE. During the first two years of the war the overseas shipping requirements of the Dominion may be considered , to have been well met, states the report of the Controller of the Imperial Supplies Department (Mr R. Triggs). Certain delays and inconveniences were experienced, but, taking all circumstances into consideration, producers were fortunate in eeeing refrigerated stores practically clear of meat, butter and cheese at the end of both seasons. This season, however, owing to the losses of tonnage by submarine and other casualties, coupled with the deflection by the Imperial Government of tonnage from New Zealand trade to meet the urgent necessities of the Empire, the situation as regards shipping facilities has become much less favourable. Tins is clearly indicated by the increased quantities of meat in 301b carcases and dairy produce remaining in store on May 31. 1917. as compared with the same date last year in parentheses, namely, meat, 3,290,000 (2,642.3621 carcases; cheese. 126,000 (62,000) crates; butter, 242,000 (84,000) boxes. The losses of insulated carry-ing-capacity, represented in terms of 601b carcases of meat, are 1,103,800 carcases, space for which was distributed over twelve steamers, all but tho Matatua, Rangatira and Tonganro, destroyed by the enemy. Of these vessels only the Rotorua and Clan MacTavish earned produce consigned to the Imperial Government, namely, Rotorua, meat, wool, cheese and seheolito. renresenting in the aggregate value £415,575, and Clan MacTavish, meat, £47,558.