EFFECT OF WHARF HOLD-UP

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 85, 12 April 1946, Page 5

EFFECT OF WHARF HOLD-UP

PRIMARY PRODUCTION WILL FALL (P.A.) Auckland, April 11. A prediction that the r e would be a noticeable drop in primary production as a result of tlu delay in unloading thousands of tons of grass seed, hay, chaff, molasses and other fodder from five ships which were in port during this week’s hold-up on the waterfront, was made bv Mr. Scott Colville, presiden'. of the Auckland Grain, Sead and Produce Merchants’ Association. He said that farmers, as well as members of his association, were demanding to have some guarantee that there would be no recurrence of such stoppages in the future. Mr. Colville recalled that the Department of Agriculture had urged farmers to plant grass seed in order 10 offset, the effects of the recent drought. Two of the *hips involved in the hold-up, the Yoho Park and the Cat’s Pay', had been specially engaged by the Government to bring vital seed to Auckland from the South Island. The seed was still in the holds, and if it could not be got to the farmers to be planted while the weather was good, it would be useless. The ve seis Korowai, Kurow and the City of Glasgow, were ako waiting to discharge cargoes urgently required to step up production of food. It would probably be two or three weeks before the Korowai, which was loaded with chaff, seeds and general produce, couid be turned round.