FARMERS' CONFERENCE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12070, 27 July 1917, Page 6

FARMERS ' CONFERENCE.

DEPUTATION TO THE PREMIER. [Per Press Association'.] WELLINGTON, July 27. A deputation from the Farmers' Dominion Conference waited on Mr Massoy, Sir Joseph Ward and Mr MacDonnld this morning with reference to the moat and shipping problems. Thev urged the operation of the Commercial Trusts Act to shipping, declaring that all vessels trading to New Zealand wcro common carriers, and the prohibition of secret treaties and rebates. They also Urged the Government to cable to the Home authorities to facilitate the shipment of' accessories necessary for the. prospective cold stores. Mr Massey assured the deputation that this was being done. As to the suggested alteration of the la v.' to make shipping companies common carriers, the matter was being investigated by the Crown Law Office, and he would make a definite statement later. Tho Prime Minister assured the deputation that he and Sir Joseph Ward Lad done everything to obtain more ships for the. New Zealand trade. The 'British Shipping Control Department had to consider the question of food for the Armv am] for Britain first, which was .the real reason of the diversion of ships to the Argentine trade. Sir Joseph Ward expressed the opinion that, until the war was over we could not expect much relief. Ho was satisfied that Now Zealand would get more than justice from the British Government whenever it was possible, hut it was onlv a decision to think that the New Zealand Government or Parliament could obtain a change- of conditions regarding the supply of ships while the present serious position continued. As to the meat purchase contract, the British Government had signed it for the duration of the war and for three months after, and any radical alteration might seriously projudice the contract. Both the Prime Minister and Sir Joseph Ward woro emphatic that the diversion of shipping was in no way influenced by meat or shipping combines.