SHIPPING AND PRODUCE.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 28 July 1917, Page 4

SHIPPING AND PRODUCE.

FARMERS MEET MINISTERS. WELLLINGTON, July 29.. A deputation from the Farmers’ Do minion Conference waited on the Hon W. F. Massey, Sir Joseph Ward, and the Hon. W. D. S. MacDonald"this morning with reference to meat and shipping problems. They urged the operation of the Commercial Trusts Act to shipping, aeclaring that all vessels trading to New Zealand were common carriers: also th e prohibtion of secret treaties and rebates. The deputation also urged the Government to cable to the Home authorities to facilitate the shipment oi accessories . necessary for prospective cold stores.

Mr. Massey assured the deputation that this was being done. As to the suggested alteration of the law tc make shipping companies common carriers, the matter was being inves tigated by the Crown Law Office, and he would make a definite statemeni later.

The Premier assured the deputation that he and Sir Joseph Ward had done everything to obtain Ihips for the New Zealand trade. ' The British Shipping Control Department had tc consider food for the Army and Great Britain first, which was the realreason for the diversion of ships to the Argentine trade.

Sir Joseph Ward expressed the opinion that till the war was over we could not expect much relief. He was satisfied that New Zealand wouid gel more than justice from the British

Government whenever it was possible, but it was only a delusion tc think the New Zealand Government or Parliament could obtain a change of conditions regarding the supply of ships while the present serious position continued. As to the meat purchase contract the British Government had signed it for t-he duration of the war, and three months after. Any radical alteration might seriously prejudice the contract.

Both the Premier and Sir Josepl Ward were emphatic in saying thal the diversion of shipping was in nc way influenced by meat or combines.