THE SHIPPING PROBLEM.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 219, 3 January 1917, Page 4

THE SHIPPING PROBLEM.

| According to the "Wy Morni-njj Herald" of December 19, fne (problem, which has grown in fntens.:y I since the war started, may now be j said to have been somewhat relieved I by a series of events that will toe a. most desirable effect as far as the ! Australian grower is concerned. Theie,

are now nearly 100 ships on their \vay to Australia to shift the wheat harvest and the wool clip; the vessels being under commission by the B'ritish Government. There is already in Australia a large quantity of wheat—the balance left over from last season — and, as the new wheat is now making its appearance, every available inch of shipping space will be heavily taxed. The partial failure of the Argentine

crops, owing to excessive rains, together with the comparative shortage of wheat in America, has naturally diverted a considerable amount of tonnage under the British Government's, control towards Australia, Scarcity of tonnage last year was undoubtedly the most serious problem that faced the Australian Wheat Board, and, had it not been for the energetic action of ,j, the British authorities in purchasing these two products, it is more than probable that its difficulties wculd -have remained a disturbing factor in the whole of the industries of Australia. In this connection the Commonwealth Government has been relieved of all responsibility. The British Government, with its powers of requisition if necessary, has negotiated with shipowners for transportation, and the Commonwealth's part in the contract is ended as soon as the wheat is slung over the ship's side. The ships acquired by Mr. Hughes six or seven months ago will prove a welcome addition in lightening the burden which: rural industries in Australia, by force of circumstances, have patiently endured. The inordinate proportion of imports, as compared with exports,, will be largely affected, and the balance should be well in the Commonwealth's favour this time twelve months hence. Britain's indebtedness to Australia for wheat alone will amount to some £28,000,000.