INSULATED SPACE

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2492, 21 June 1915, Page 3

INSULATED SPACE

SHORTAGE AFFECTING AUCKLAND (by I'ekßfUDli.-l'resi ,-W.VH <■■■ Auckland, June IS. As the result of a meeting of the members of Parliament and others interested in the commercial welfare of Auckland, very strong pressure will be brought to bear on the Government to take more effective action in relieving the difficulties arising out of tho shortago of ships. Tho meeting was held at the Chamber of Commerce under the presidency of llr. Robert Burns, and those v.ho took part in the debate were most outspoken in regard to the urgency of the case. Questions were asked as to the constitution of the committee v/livm the Government had set up to allocate the space available for export of frozen produce. Some of the speakers pointed out that an overpowering majority of the committee represented the sliipp:ng companies, whose interests were bound ud with those of the freezing companies carrying on business in other parts of the Dominion. This was regarded by some as being the explanation of tho unfair proportion of space being granted to Auckland. A strong plea for direct representation on the committal was put forward. Another matter dwelt upon was tiie need for more insulated storage space, but doubts were expressed as to whether the increases could be provided in time to be of use during the present season. The opinions of the conference are to be brought into prominence at tho scat of government without delay. The serious position that has arisen in connection with the shortage of ships and the congestion that is taking place with tho exportable produce of Auckland was mentioned at the meeting of the committee of tho Auckland A. and P. Association this afternoon. The president (Mr. S. W. Luxford) said that on« of our greatest industries was threatened with paralysis. The shortage of space appeared to linvo hccu brought about by the fact that a number of our vessels wore commandeered to carry troops. Wo did not know where wo were. The butter fenson would open in a couple of months, and we could not arrange for the shipment of our dairy produce then, and it was urgent. Mr. Luxford stated that the Government, in conjunction with the Imperial authorities, should endeavour to cope with what was an exceedingly serious position.