SHIPPING OUR PRODUCE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 38, 1 October 1914, Page 8

SHIPPING OUR PRODUCE.

DISCUSSION IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. [Pr.a Par.ae Association ] Wellington, September 30. Hon. Massey stated that as some doubt appeared to exist as to whether the produce, of the Dominion could be got away in good time, he desired to make a statement on the subject. In October of last year we had two ships leaving, and this year we would have three. In November of last year three ships left, and this year five would be sailing. In December last, five ships left, and five would leave this year, so that Up to December we would have three more ships available than we had last year. He had cabled to the Imperial authorities to release the transports at the earliest possible moment. He had also cabled to the shipping companies, stating that he would bo prepared to meet them in a reasonable way if it were necessary to send any of their ships back in ballast. The position had been rendered somewhat more stringent by the fact that the Imperial Government had commandeered one of our regular ships, the Muricai, to carry frozen meat to the troops at the front. He had also asked that this vessel be allowed to return to New Zealand as soon as possible. Coming to the shipping available next year, the Premier stated that in January anti February 1 last year eighteen ships sailed. This year, in the same months, there were fourteen in sight, including the Muritai. So far as the transports were concerned, he was confident that they would he hack in time to take cargo iu the ordinary way before the end of February.

Sir Joseph Ward said that if the Premier were ganging next October by the same month last year, he was afraid be would find himself greatly mistaken. It was bis opinion that this season was going to be a big one ■for all parts of the Dominion. He did not doubt that the Premier was doing his best, but he did not believe that even the shipping companies were able to meet the requirements of New Zealand trade. Sir W. C. Buchanan, while agreeing, said he could net rely too implicitly on last year’s figures as a guide to this year’s trade, and pointed out that up to December this year there will bo I I steamers, as against ten last year. Mr Massey, replying, said he was prepared to take strong steps to get ships for our trade, even to the length of commandeering some of the ships going to New York. The Premier later announced that the Government had been able to get more slops: The Kaikoura next month, the Buteshire in November, and a ship in January and February.