The Daily News. FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1915. THE MEAT EXPORT TROUBLE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 180, 8 January 1915, Page 4

The Daily News. FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1915. THE MEAT EXPORT TROUBLE.

CVnudcrable anxiety is Jiein:' felt over t!io lack of shipping facilities for the frozen meat exported from the Dominion. Without in any way being party to creating a scare, there does seem to exist a shortage of accommodation for carcases that must have a prejudicial (fleet upon tlie trade, unless some means are adopted to overcome the dilliculty. It K quite possible that tlie situation may have been exaggerated, but the matter is of such vital importance, owing to the possibility ot many thousands of pounds being involved, that an exhibition of pessimism is not surprising, though it may not bo entirely justified. It would he nothing less than a disaster if the various freezing works in the Dominion had to shut down in consequence of all their available store space being occupied by reason of inability to obtain stopping facilities for conveyance of tlie meat to tlie Home markets, and it is to be sincerely hoped that every effort will be made to prevent such a serious state, of affairs from eventuating. In normal times, aiid under certain circumstances, the trouble could not arise, as the shipping companies are only too anxious to obtain full cargoes, but the war has brought about exceptional conditions relative to tne number of vessels available for this particular traffic, which requires refrigerating chambers. The matter is one that afreets not only the producers, but also the consumers, and tlie presenco of sucli a large number of refugees in Britain renders it more than ever desirable that tlie meat supply from overseas shall lie regularly received. It is distinctly to be regretted that such a commercial affair should he dragged isto the political arena, and that on the Premier should be thrown tlie responsibility for overcoming the difficulty. When this is the case there is a tendency to make the subject do duty as a stalking-horse—a course which provokes irritation, -without ap-ancing the interests of those most nearly concerned. At tlie same time, it is imperative to protect the industry from serious loss, and there should be no insuferable object to that desirable er.i being achieved. It was well known that t'le chartering of vessels for transport and other purposes connected with tlie war must to some extent affect the overseas carrying trade, but it was understood that there would be suflicient space available for frozen meat. Mr. Massey lias expressed and reiterated the opinion that the required space will be obtainable, but some of those who are directly responsible for the meat export trade appear to be of a contrary opinion, and foreshadow the dosing down of the freezing works as a consequence. The matter is surely one oil which there should be no room for sucli opposite views. The quantity of carcases awaiting shipment can readily be ascertained, and it should bo equally easy to obtain accurate data as to the output per month. Tlie capacity of every vessel engaged in tlie meatcarrying trade is also well known, so that the only question is what ships will Lie available. It is on this last point that the success or failure of the industry liingc.s. Considering the greatness of the issue involved, neither trouble nor expense should be spared in well-directed efforts to obtain what is required in the way el shipping facilities. Naturally, tlie Premier is thoroughly alive to the magnitude of the trouble, r 1 -I it may lie taken for granted thr.. :,e v.-ill do all in his power to assist, and to retard, the industry. The shippers must also do their utmost to promote, and not to prejudice, their cause. XotTiing is gained by rash utterances or causing friction. It is a time when cool heads are required, sacrifices made, and administrative ability engendered. There is no need to stand still and utter a great outcry because just what is wanted is not at hand 011 the moment. I'ar better would it lie to be up ancl doing, recognising and overcoming difficulties in a way befitting the traditions of the race. It is not too much to expect that if all those who are directly interested in this momentous question of freight attacked the subject with calm determination, and ability, a way out of the trouble would soon be evolved. To close down t'le freezing works at this season of the year would be a disaster that should not be permitted. Possibly some delay and inconvenience must inevitably occur, but it will certainly not be to the credit of tlie Dominion if the want of shipping space cannot be supplied. The Home tioverument, the Dominion (lovernmcnt, the producers, the freezing companies, and the shipping compa'nies are all vitally interested in the matter, and them should be able to fin# the means of transporting our frozen meat to its destination, as well as our butter, cheese, and other produce.