EXPORT OF PRODUCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 90, 11 September 1914, Page 4

EXPORT OF PRODUCE.

At several of the annual meetings of dairy companies there, lias been voiced a feeling of apprehension that the shipment of produce would he fraught with risk and entail heavy cluarges I'or freight and war charges. In reality, there was little justification for alarm, as it was well known that the British Government would, use the whole of its vast resources to meet the exceptional state of affairs caused by the war. That it has done so to excellent purpose is abundantly evident, the highways of the s.u being, practically free for the carrages of our commerce. The question of higher freights has now been set at rest by the announcement that tlie National Dairy Association has arranged with the shipping companies that the freight rates are to remain unchanged. When it is considered that the contract entered into between the Association and the shipping companies contained a clause providing for tile suspension of the rates agreed upon, which could have been put ill force in consequence of the requisition by the Government of so many of the ships utilised in the carrying , kade, it will readily bo seen that the I ' companies have acted fairly and patriotically in going on with the contract, in- | tcad of making use of the opportunity

to "squeeze" the producers* They .-.re | certainly deserving of gnsit commendation for their public-spirited action, and daily farmers, woolgnowers and mcatj producers should feel greatly relieved at : the decision which has been arrived at. The only question that need trouble the exporters is tire dilliclilty of regular shipments, but under the circumstances such a drawback is to be expected, for it was inevitable that the time-tables should De disorganised, though every effort will undoubtedly be made to do the best possible in this direction. As against this there is the certainty of satisfactory prices, and the prospect of greatly extended business in dairy products and meat. All things considered, the outlook for our producers may be regarded with satisfaction, and there need be no fear of the result of this season's produce being less favorable than the last. 0:i the contrary, there is good reason to expect that it will be a record.