OUR PRODUCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 243, 4 March 1913, Page 5

OUR PRODUCE.

DIVERTING TO BRISTOL. A COMPREHENSIVE PROPOSAL. "By Telegraph-- Press Association. Wellington. Last Niglil. Tin* dissatisfaction that has so long existed t onceniing the handling of New Zealand frozen produce at the port of > London appears about to be removed. , The proposal to divert the New Zealand produce trade to the West Coast ports of England, and to establish Die Bristol • and Dominions Producers' Association, Limited, to handle and market all New Zealand- produce lias so far progressed towards fruition that the desired objective is now practically assured. Mr. W. : D. Lysnar, who has taken a lively interest in the matter throughout, and who was responsible for the opening up of negotiations, had some interesting information to impart to-day concerning the Association. The Bristol people, said Mr. Lysnar. had spent several millions in equipping their port, and their leading men were prepared to assist in the management of our Association at their end, and also to assist financially. If New Zealand producers took their produce from London they must provide the machinery to supervise the handling and marketing of it through the new channel. Bristol had offered substantial monetary assistance. Mr. Lvsnai outlined the basis of operation which the Bristol people were prepared to stand by. It was proposed, lie said, to establish the Association with a capital of £IOO,OOO. to be increased from time to time. The. objects were wide in scope—to do anything with the buying and selling of our produce, freezing and handling it. shipping and carrying it with power to make advances to any customer. 30.000 shares Would be issued right away, 10,000 for Bristol and 20.000 for New Zealand. The chairman of directors was Mr. Joseph Ilo'lman, grain merchant, of high business standing at Bristol. Another member of the directorate was Mr. Sidney Humphreys, a miller of high standing of the same place. They had arranged for a manager whose name could not be disclosed, but who was better able to manage such a concern than anyone else lie knew. The gentleman in question represented a State, was a trade commissioner, and had been in charge of large freezing concerns. The fourth director was to he himself. He had consented to act in New Zealand in conjunction with an advisory committee. Jt was intended that by large quantities of produce being concentrated for sale under tne one management | the manager will himself fix the prices from day to day. A special feature of the movement is the arrangement that has already been made for storage of the produce at or near the ocean berth, thus eliminating all unnecessary handling. The head office would be at Bristol. with branches at all the principal West Coast ports and London. Special direct shipping facilities were being arranged. "The movement," said Mr. Lysnar, "is being very generally supported, not only by sheep farmers but by dairy people, who realise that they will derive substantial benefits by it. We also expect to have some of the freezing companies supporting the movement. The manager of one has already stated that he is satisfied that it is in liis company's interests to support the movement and to do their business as far as possible through the Association. In view of the increased trade, and particularly in order to provide for the dairy industry, the manager of the Fedcral-Houlder-Shire Line has been approached to ascertain if his company would arrange for a fortnightly service, which would be necessary in case we were substantially supported by the dairy companies. He stated that if the trade was there he expected this company would meet the position by arranging for a fortnightly service. As soon as matters are further matured, steps will be taken to provide the necessary freight accommodation. It is possible to start immediately after the minimum of 10,000 shares are applied fox in New Zealand, j All arrangements are complete at the London end to commence operations immediately we are able to cable that the necessary requests have been signed at this end to secure the taking up of the. 10,001) shares. This T hope to see accomplished within the next week or so. so as to get a start for the latter end of this season, and thus enable the Association tJ be properly established before the commencement of next season."