FARMERS’ SHIPPING

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 206, 26 May 1921, Page 6

FARMERS’ SHIPPING

CABINET STILL CONSIDERING PROPOSALS THE “BLUE BOOK” OFFER The members of the Producers’ Committee recently interviewed the ActingPrime Minister (Sir Francis Bell) and other members of the Ministry, and placed before them suggestions in connection with the proposal to establish a farmers’ shipping company, supported, but not controlled, by the Government. Sir Francis Bell promised that the suggestions would receive the consideration of Cabinet. Ho stated yesterday, in answer to a question on the subject, that the matter was still under consideration, and no decision could be announced. Shipping freights and the possibility of affording relief te the producers by tho purchase or charter of ships are among tho matters that will receive the attention of the Prime Minister during his stay in London. It will be remembered that some months ago, when the Government was pressing for a reduction in freights on New Zealand produce, tho representatives of the shipping companies offered to hand over the ships to the Government at “Blue-Mok rates.” Mr.. Massey etalcd at the time that he was unable to 1 n here just what this offer amounted to. but he would seek information when the opportunity offered. It has been stated locally that the scheme of charter suggested would not have afforded any great relief to the producers. Since then the freezing companies have entered into a contract with the shipping companies for the Test of this season and all next season, so that there seems to be no early prospect of a reduction in meat freights in any case.