FROZEN CARGO

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2365, 22 January 1915, Page 6

FROZEN CARGO

THE SUPPLY OF SHIPS

AN EAEY SEASON

The olamour on the part of people with meat for export for ships with insulated space for England has ceased of late, for the reason that all immediate requirements have been mot. The demands for early shipment thifl season have been heavier than ever before, which should mean that later in. the season the demand will be'easier. The supply of ships for .the later months of the season wbb discussed by the Prime Minister yesterday.

"As far as can be soon at present the cargo requirements for tho United Kingdom for January for frozen meat and dairy produce will be fairly met," said Mr. Massey. "Tliero may be a little pinch liore and there, _ but tho general concensus of opinion is to tho effoct that tho shipping facilities have been as satisfactory as could be expected under tho conditions that exist. Australia is still taking in'sulated ships for the conveyance of troops to tho front and tho authorities thero have commandeered ono or moro of the insulated boats that trado to and from Now Zealand. For tho month of February it is estimated by those competent to form an opinion that eloven steamers will be required to doal with tho cargoes available, and from tho latest information available tho steamers will be theOrari, Otaki, Rotmiora, Kaikoura, Corinthic, Waimanu, Aphonic, Niwaru, Makarini, Mimiro, and Wostmeath. Of these the Orari, Waimana and Athenic have been specially brought to tho Dominion after having convoyed the Expeditionary Forces to Egypt. . ■

"It is early yet to say how far it can bo stated with certainty that the Rotorua, Ruahine, Matatua, Karamea, Kumara, Tainui, Pakeha, Muritai, and Star of Australia will be available. The Muritai iB being brought; out in ballast from the Old Country, having been released from the service of the Admiralty in consequence of the representations made by the Government. Very pronounced .efforts have been put forth to secure the Suffolk which has been under Admiralty orders for some time for the purpose of loading outward cargo. Considerable correspondence has been exchanged between the Government ond the High Commissioner on the subject, but so' far no definite information is available. The Government have again returned to the matter, and a reply may , be inspected shortly.-. "For April the steamers so far reported to be available are-the Ruapdiu, Turakina, lonic, Zealandia, Arawa, and Hawke's Bay. Representations have also been made, to secure the Hororata, now en route to Australia, and in view of the engagement of this steamer in Australia it was 'thought that she might come first to" New Zealand for loading, and then return to Australia to complete her obligations. In respect to this porposal the ultimate issue is in doubt. ■ Attempts have also been made to secure the Marero and .Star of Victoria, both steamers having Australian engagements, but the Commonwealth Government have not so far been able to promise their release.'

"In addition, on the general question of securing further vessels from Great Britain and bringing _them out in ballast the High Commissioner has notified the Government that there is no chance of securing any steamers as the companies, are unable to send out any vessels in ballast. The inquiries made in Australia show that all vessels on „the; berths are fully : .book^d.^