INSULATED STEAMERS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 26, 1 February 1915, Page 6

INSULATED STEAMERS.

REPORT OF RECENT CONFERENCE. Per Press Association. Wellington, February 1. An official statement has been published of the conference held last weekend between Mr Mossey, representatives of the shipping companies, the Department of Agriculture, and Mr Triggs (Assistant Public Service Commissioner), to discuss the question of refrigerated space available for the next three months. Satisfaction was expressed that up to the present the shipping companies had done good work in getting away refrigerated cargo. The evidence showed that it seamed doubtful whether sufficient shipping would he available in March and April to deal with the whole of the demands for space, and in these months there was reason to fear a. shortage of refrigerated space. The shipping companies pointed out that they had difficulties to contend with, several ships having been commandeered either in Australia or New Zealand for services in connection wth the war. They also pointed out that there was a, difficulty to find refrigerated shipping for export, but it was far worst* in Australia than in New Zealand. Representatives of the ship-ping-companies stated definitely that everything possible was being done to .provide, refrigerated space. Mr Massey said he considered the shipping companies should feel it *u cumhent upon them to do their DI-

most to meet the requirements of N-'-w Zealand producers, who had been the means of finding regular and Imyaole cargo year after year for mam years past/ The Government was prepared to supplement the previous efforts \ v making the necessary financial . avrangements for bringing out the ship 'if available, and the Govrenment wanted to do the best they could to assist producers and all concerned. Members of the Board of Agriculture expressed approval of the action of the Government and of the shipping companies.