OUR WAR PAYING SOURCES.

Taihape Daily Times, 15 August 1918, Page 2

OUR WAR PAYING SOURCES.

SHIPPING AND STORAGE FACTORS* PEEPAEING FOE CONTINGENCIES Discussing the outlook regarding the storage and shipping situations, the Hon. Mr. MacDonald at Auckland on Monday stated that there seemed to be no likelihood of any immediate relief from the congestion, as no increased shipping was in sight for the next month or two. At the present time there arc, said the Minister of Agriculture, over five million freight carcases of 60 lb.' weight of meat in store, besides considerable quantities of butter and cheese. Although the next two months will reduce the stocks a very large balance must remain in ■ store at the opening of the freezing and dairying seasons. "I have been in communication wi;h freezing companies throughout NewZealand to find out the amount of additional power in their works," said Mr MacDonald, "and we find that there is sufficient power available In the different works to freeze in round figures an additional 2,000,000 sheep if the storage can be provided. The matter is now under consideration by the companies, the farmers and the Government, and if the information from England respecting shipping warrants the expenditure I have no doubt that some scheme will be evolved within the next fortnight to go on with the erection of The different additions. Some companies have already made their own arrangements. I understand that the New Zealand

Eefrigerating Company are making £ start with additional storage, the Auckland Farmers' "Company arc building considerable additions, be sides several other companies. Bu" unless we get a considerable amoum of shipping towards the end of th< year or early nest year, a heavy con gestion is almost inevitable. However we hope to get full particulars before the Ministers leave* (England, anc nothing more definite can be said or the subject at the moment. Meanwhile the idea that reliei from, the congestion can be obtainec from throwing more stocks on the local market, is quite erroneous, '.is a 1 the present tima the freezing works in every town in New Zealand have power to supply local requirements. The whole question depends on the amount of •hipping available and the erection of additional storage space. "It has also been represented to the Prime Minister that the present contract terminates three months after the end of the war. and that owing to the congested state of the freezing space this may act very prejudicially to the producers and financiers of the country. It is being urged therefore that the contract with the Imperial authorities should be prolonged." Discussing the prospects regarding wool, the Minister said that they were expecting to get a final settlement regarding the pride and date of contract He pointed out that there is nearly a whole season's clip stored in New Zealand now, which meant that it may j become necessary for more storage accommodation for wool also. He believed they were going in for increased building largely in Australia, and a similar policy would probably be wise in New Zealand.