THE PAPER SHORTAGE.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 16722, 3 January 1920, Page 8

THE PAPER SHORTAGE.

POSITION IN NEW ZEALAND.

(special to "the press.") AUCKLAND, January 2. Tho shortage of newsprint paper in Canada and Amorica, as lias been indicated in recent Press cablegrams, is likely to seriously affect Now Zealand, which is entirely dependent upon Canada for supplies. Mr P. Selig, manager of tho Christchurch Press Company, Ltd., and chairman of tho Newspaper Proprietors' Association of Now Zealand, who is at present on a visit to Auckland, has received cablo advice that tho position is already 6erious. A representative of the "New Zealand Herald" waited upon Mr Selig this evening, and ascertained that ho had been advised bv cablegram that on account of tho serious shortage, tho Australasian representative of tliq Canadian mills was leaving by the Niagara for Canada, and would like to eeo Mm in Auckland on his way through. Mr Selig leaves for "Wellington to-mor-row, but will return to Auckland to meet the Niagara. Mr Selig says his Association warned members of a possiblo shortago about three months ago, but a large quantity of paper had boon consumed by tho leading offices during tho election period, and some voro not holding sufficient stocks to bo safe. This hnH been brought about mainly ljy tho mills failing to send all tho paper ordered for 1919. and it now looked sis if there was going to be considerable difficulty in securing snpplies. M r Selig said tho United States had hern short of paper for some time, owing to tho production being less than the quantity required I'** the newspaper offices. Canada was sending a large quantity of paper into the States until the position there had become sorions. Tho Paper Controller appointed during the war period recently announced that he would not allow a single sheet of newsnrint. to be exported from Canada while tho local demand was unsatisfied. This, probably. was affecting tho supplv for New Zealand. Phere would also bo q. heaw increase in the price of paner for this rear. said Mr Sclig. In the meantime he advised the cutting down of the papers in size, and the conservation of every sheet possible. Talcing advantage of the presence in Auckland of the Prime Minister, Mr Selig interviewed Mr Massey respecting the serious aspect of affairs for New Zealand, pointing out that it would Iks a very serious matter for the Dominion if anv of its papers had to suspend publication for want of paper. Mr Massey has undertaken, at Mr Setter's request, to 'send a cablegram to the Prime }linlster of Canada immediately, pointing out- the position here -with respect to stocks nnd requesting him not to stop supplies for the Dominion.