SHIPPING PRODUCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 124, 19 October 1914, Page 2

SHIPPING PRODUCE.

SHIPPING RING ALLEGED. PREMIER THREATENS ACTION. By Telegraph.—Per Press Association. Wellington, October 17. A deputation representing the Bristol and Dominion Producers' Association waited on the Premier to-day. It was stated by Mr. Lysnar that shipping people at Home and those in control entered into a combine, and at least two of the shipping companies Iliad entered into the American shipping ring. He knew of two cases where dairy producers had been told that they must enter into contracts for six years, otherwise they would not get their stuff shipped. Mr. Massey: Can you give instances? Mr. Lysnar: I shall send you the correspondence. I myself have been refused carriage for my stuff in Wellington. Mr. Massey: Who refused you?

Mr. Lysnar: Tlie New Zealand Shipping Company, and I was told that I must apply through the National Dairy Association. After you made a certain statement in the House I was told T could got space for my butter, but not for my cheese. Mr. Massey said he understood the Dairy Association merely existed in order to have a man in Wellington who would look after producers' interests. Mr. Lysnar said that was the general impression, but he claimed that be had reason to believe otherwise.

Mr. Massey remarked that it was a pity Mr. Lysnar had not gone before the committee and ofTered to give evidence. Mr. Lysnar said ho would willingly nave given evidence, but he was not going to chase the committee. Mr. Lysnar repeated that 'he could supply correspondence in two cases.

Mr. Massey: My information is that they cannot fill the ships available. After .further discussion, the Premier said he would ask the shipping companies for an explanation of the matter referred to by the deputation, and would publish that explanation.