SHIPPING N.Z. PRODUCE

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2260, 21 September 1914, Page 6

SHIPPING N.Z. PRODUCE

HON. ,J; ALLEN INTERVIEWED. (By Telegraph-Press Association.) Auckland, Septembor 20. ■Opportunitywas'-taken of the vjsit of the Minister of Defence to Auckland to inquire what steps tbe Government 16 taking- to make provision for the shipping of) New Zealand produce to the markets of Great Britain. Sir. Allen said that the Prime Minister had taken the matter up, and was now in communication by cable with the authorities and shipping companies in. England. It was hoped that a sufficient number of steamers would be available to provide an adequate cargocarrying service from New Zealand to England. "It is not, anticipated that there will be any lack of facilities beforo the end of- this year, and the beginning of next," said Mr. Allen, "and we hope that by that time fho High Commissioner will havo been able to make satisfactory .arrangements for an ample number of cargo steamers fitted* with refrigerating space."

Asked whether the Government was prepared to guarantee the companies against loss, the Minister said that the Government hoped that the companies would bo willing to provide facilities on their own initiative. However, as negotiations progressed, it might be found necessary to consider tho question of guarantee. The Government was taking full advantage of the approaching departure of tho troopships to get a 4ot of produce away.