EXPORT CARGO SPACE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 1, 26 September 1918, Page 8

EXPORT CARGO SPACE

PRODUCE LINES SHUT OUT. The. Minister of Imperial Supplies has informed the chairman of the- Canterbury Grain Merchants' .Association, Mr. C. H. Hewlett, that consequent on. representations by the London Board' of Trade, all wool possible is to bo shipped to Great Britain, to the exclii-' sion of general cargo. , ■ Whilst this decision is accepted by locaf - merchants without question,, it does not remove a distinct grievance 'heretofore Canterbury produce has I been at a marked disadvantage as compared with that of"other -provinces in the allocation of overseas shipping space (says the Ghristchurch "Sun"). For over six months no peas have been shipped overseas from Lytteltpn. Recently space, was secured, but the dictum of the Government above given shut these lines out. Yet, it is complained. Canterbury peas' bought by Wellington merchants have been shipped from Wellington to Great Britain, as well as peas grown in that province. Canterbury is, however, the ohief agricultural district in the Dominion, and pea-growing is an essential part of the cropping system pursued by wheatgrowers. The province, therefore, should be placed at least on equal terms to other districts in the allocation of freight. As it is, the fact that last season's crop, which is grown for export, has not found an outside, mar-, ket is expected to prove a- distinct setback to the industry. Peas are about: the latest spring crop. The seasoli hns now advanced to an extent when growers are deciding -whether to sow peas or, put the land into pasture. ■ If the former decision is arrived at, invariably the succeeding crop is a wheat one, but if the area is put into pasture it can be "counted out" as far as regards cereal sowing next autumn.' Merchants, therefore,- claim that not only will the discouragement to the pea-grower affect an industry which represents thousands of pounds, but will havo the inevitable effect of causing, a further shrinkage of the wheat area..