SHORTAGE OF SHIPPING

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2523, 31 July 1915, Page 6

SHORTAGE OF SHIPPING

FARMERS' ANXIETY.' ' Shipping shortage and. the Lest means of surmounting the difficulties, which had arisen therewith, were matters discussed at ,tjie Fanners' Union Conference yesterday, when Mr. G. W. Leadley (Ashburton) moved: "That in view of the present high shipping rates and the desirability of such charges resuming normal afi soon as possible after, the war, the Dominion Conference he urged to set up a Shipping Matters Committee to co-operate, with any similar committee of Chambers of Commerce or other organisations." In sjpeaking to the motion, Mr. Leadley said they had had a very disagreeable reminder lately of the trouble arising, from shortage of shipping. It would be difficult to estimate the loss sustained by producers owin" to the inability to secure froiglit. The conference 1 would need, to concern itself with the best means to adopt to obtain increased tonnage. This was an abnormal time, and lie did not think there would be any. surrender of principle if the Government were approached for assistance ill the matter. If ,tho remit were carried it would be possible to ascertain t'he general feeling on tho question. Mr. H. A. Kevins (Wellington) seconded tho motion.

Mr. Thomas Moss (Wellington), in supporting the motion, said that the question was'a vital one, affecting not only.the producers but every indiyfdual in the;'D6minion. : Tho' president (Sir James Wilson) mentioned that more _ difficulty was likely to be met with in securing space for grain than for other produce. ,It would probably be necessary to make an exhaustive inquiry as to how much grain had been put iD. , Mr. G. Slieat (North Canterbury) asked where the ships were to come from. It seemed to him it would be necessary to recommission the old windjammers or to _ bring into service all the German ships which, had been interned. ;.. ' The motion was carried unanimously, and it was agreed that the Dominion Executive should bo the committee to carry out the terms of the motion, the committee to have power to add to its number.