EXPORT OF PRODUCE

Hokitika Guardian, 13 January 1920, Page 2

EXPORT OF PRODUCE

NEW SEASON’S PROSPECTS,

THE POSITION IN CANTERBURY. "Although there is a large quantity of produce in store in the Dominion awaiting shipment (states the Christchurch “ Sun ”), it mostly consist* of wool and meat. The new season has commenced with the position as regards storage space somewhat on ai par with that which ruled for the corresponding period last year. Awaiting shipment at Lytteltpn there are about 46,500 bales of wool, and this ‘has led to the stores being rather congested. Qf this quantity, about 13,500 bales comprise the present season’s clip. There have been four valuations of the new clip, and a fifth will commence about Jgpuary 20th. So far, the wool appears to bp rather on the light side, but this is rather to be expected .. owing to the poor condition of stock during the winter. However, despite the fair quantity of the old season’s clip still held, there is probably more wool actually in store at any of the main North Island ports. There are also about 100 casks of tallow due for shipment at Lyttelton, but very little else in the way of pro-

duce. The freezing works in Canterbury appear to be somewhat more than half full of last season’s meat. In the whole of the Dominion there is in the vicinity of 4,000,000 freight carcases in stoile. ’ Naturally, everything depends on the amount erf tonnage to bo available during the season. Certainly the prospects are fairly good, for tonnage throughout the world is more free than it has been. On the other hand, the meat works in the Dominion are handicapped by reason of the fact that despite representations on the niatte , the Imperial Government has not seen fit to countermand its instructions to abolish the telescoping of carcases intended for export. By telescop about 25 per cent of space was saved, both in tlie works and on shaphoa d. Although shipping prospects are better the amount of freight offering has; not during the past few weeks, been meat as was anticipated. " Possibly, in the meantime, the &ieatest attention is being given by tlie Imperial Government to Austial bulk of the moat held for export_ tliue is in Victoria. Advices are that it is anticipated that the Victnn.p, will be practically cleared b> the of Forbruaiv. Ng doubt, once Australian position was relieved, Imperial. Government would soon turn attention towards working o(t any slat which developed in the I l "'™'™'- Coming to the position of the mea WO*, in Canto, rbory, fairlv good. In any case, it s ant ci ‘tiered for export.’ Snow am* lam|jj| Lpsw* have sqmowhaf uc.d 1' flocks. As there is plenty of feed available —much more than "g ' ? !,se at this time last year-farmery ire not likely to he compelled to tip lunr stock during the next few months o the wqrks.