SHIPPING SITUATION

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 18, 16 October 1919, Page 6

SHIPPING SITUATION

RESULT OF COMBINE

COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURE

ALARMED

The serious outlook in the Dominion on account of the shortage of shipping and tho high freights ruling formed the subject of discussion at tho conference of the Council of Agriculture.yesterday afternoon, arising out of tho following remit tabled by tho Feilding A. and 1 , . Society:—"That tho conference bring before the Government tho serious posi-. tion of the fanning community owing to the shortage- of insulated shipping and tho consequent congestion of meat in the cold stores in the Dominion." Speaking to the remit, Sir James Wilson Minted out that existing contracts were running out, and fanners were alarmed at the prospect of having to pay higher freights. Tho question was what eouhl be done by the farmers to pluco themselves in a "stronger position. As to the possibilities of exploitation by the shipping monopoly it was significant to note that .£lllO shares of tho P. and 0. Company after its combination with other companies in this part of the world had gone up to JrGOO. It would seem that the 1 , , and O. Company practically had control of the freights on this side of the world, and would no doubt nut them as high as the business would carry. Could the fanner turn to some more powerful combination? The uiea of Government control did not commend itself to fanners. The problem of transijort, however, would have to be tackled, and the help of tho Imperial Government sought, it necessary. The Question affected not only the Now Zealand producer, but also the Home consumer. All tho farmers wanted was reasonable rates, and it might do somo Rood if they suggested to the Government the advisability of chartering shippin?. The fact (hat contracts expired at different dates gave the shipping companies power over sections of the business communities. Concluding, Sir .Tames Wilson remarked that combinations must be met by combinations. Jtegrct was expressed by Sir Walter Ruchanan that the farmers had failed to combine in tho matter, but instead had shelved the question for years. Oneeighth of a penny freight on wool, etc., amounted to a good deal more than a million of money. Exceedingly heavy liabilities had been incurred during: the war. and saving must be effected. In touching on the danger of tho shipping combine, Sir Walter Buchanan said he had been, assured in London that 11(1. per lb. on wool would ensure the shipping companies a handsome return even if they carried no outward-bound cargo. Evidence was not wanting that the Imperial Government had absolutely played into the hands of tho shipping combine. Farmers-should help themselves, and see that they got justice. It behoved the farmers to combine-, and charter shins if necessary. Other delegates spoko in favour of the remit, which was unanimously adopted. A committee was also set up to bring the recommendations of the conference before fho Government.