THE SEASON'S PRODUCE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 201, 14 May 1918, Page 8

THE SEASON'S PRODUCE

CONGESTION IN STOEBS. The congestion in the Auckland stores, both as regards <ominoditie6 requiring cold storage aud other produots lor exIKirt, is seated by inorchants to be eitremelj eerions (says the ''florald"). l'raotioally all the available space is ■heavily taxed, and .there does not appear to be muoh prospect of any substantial shipments being nuulo in the near future, Inquiries from exporters elicited the information that there was a great accumulation of homp, tallow, and pelts. It had been anticipated that tho congestion would be relieved by sailing vessels running to America, but it is now /underwood that these will not be available.

A prominent produce merchant stated that the position in respect to tallow lias _ particularly terious, inasmuch n.s the importation , of tallow into the United States was prohibited for all shipments not made before May 13. la reepect to hemp, pelts, and hides, ho said there was great congestion, while the position in regard to hides had not yet teen satisfactorily adjusted between the exporters and the Government, thus making matters worse. Fortunately the iiaxmills would he closing down for the winter months at the end of May, and the cessation of supplies would probably enable the stocks in store to he reduced before the resumption of milling operations. The cheese and butter output had been, cleared up to January and February respectively, and the position in respect to these commodities was fairly satisfactory, as there was a ehanoe of the present stocks being: cleared before tho beginning of next season. In view of the present congestion in all stores, however, 'he said that it was regrettable that «y vessel ehould have been allowed to leave the port iritn cargo' epace for ■hundreds of tons unfilled. He thought legislation should bo passed to prevent ships leaving the Dominion porta until they were fully loaded. In regard to the wool clip for the senson, Mr. A..AV. Perkins, president of the TVoolbrokera' Association, said that there ivas a, greater accumulation of wool in the Auckland store,? than had ever previously been experienced. However, suitable accommodation had been arranged and the wool was being held without serious inconvenience.