STEAMER SPACE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2903, 16 October 1916, Page 6

STEAMER SPACE

* 7 JIEAT TO HAVE PREFERENCE. A telegram has just been received by the Minister of Industries and Commerce (the Hon. W. D. S. Mao Donald) from tho High Commissioner, which conveys to Now Zealand producers of dairy produce a warning that there may be a difficulty in tho coming oxporfc season-about getting space for butter and- cheese in homeward-bound steamers.

"The Government fully realises its duty to tho producer in the matter of providing markets and in endeavouring to obtain higher rates for their produce," said Mr. MacDouald; speaking of this matter to a reporter. "A very great deal of work has been done by tho Imperial Supply Department during tho past twelve months in regard! to freights and shipping, especially for refrigerated produce; and we onlyhope to bo ablo to provide the necessary regular supply of ships for tile coming season. I have, however, been advised by the High Commissioner by cablo today that there may be a difficulty. He says:—

" 'Re your telegram of September 30, giving au estimate of exports of meat and' cheese next season. Your figures havo been submitted to the Board of Trade; who Tepl.v to the effect that on account of tlie cost of frozen meat being increased considerably by. storage charges, and in view of the heavy, payments for meat, more especially during the winter months, the Board of Trade will havo' to give instructions that meat in store should be given priority, and that cheese and other refrigerated produce, must he kept back until the needs of the army are met."

Mr. Mac Donald added that the New Zealand Government would, of course, bring every possible pressure to bear on the Imperial Board of Trade to supply sufficient shipping.