CONGESTION OF EXPORTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1825, 11 May 1918, Page 3

CONGESTION OF EXPORTS.

SERIOUS POSITION AT, AUCKLAND, Auckland, May 10, The congestion in the Auckland stores, both as regards commodities requiring cold storage and other products for export, is stated by merchants to be extremely serious. Practically all the'available space is heavily taxed, and there does not appear to be much prospect of any substantial shipments being made in the near future. Enquiries from exporters have elicited the information that there was a great accumulation of hemp, tallow, and pelts. It had been anticipated that the congestion would be relieved by the sailing vessels running to America, but it is now understood that these will not be available. Prominent local produce merchants stated that the position in respect to tallow is particularly serious, inasmuch as the importation of tallow into the United States was prohibited for all shipments not made before 13th May. In respect to hemp, pelts, and hides, he said there was great congestion, while the position in regard to hides had not been satisfactorily adjusted between, the exporters and Government, thus making the matter worse. Fortunately the flaxmills would be closing for the winter at the end of May, and the cessation of supplies would probably enable stocks in store to be reduced before 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 chance of present stocks being cleared before the beginning of next season. In view of the present congestion in all stores, however, he said that it was regrettable that a vessel should have been allowed to leave Auckland recently with cargo space for hundreds of tons unfilled. He thought legislation should he passed to prevent ships leaving Dominion ports until they were fully loaded.