SHORTAGE OF SHIPS.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 June 1915, Page 6

SHORTAGE OF SHIPS.

PROTESTS PROM AUCKLAND. j A GREAT INDUSTRY THREATENED. | By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last -Night. As a result of a meeting of members of Parliament and others interested in the commercial welfare of Auckland, very strong pressure will be brought to bear on the Government to take more effective action to relieve the difficulties arising out of the shortage of ships. The meeting was held at the Chamber of Commerce under the presidency of Mr. Robert Bums, and -those who took part in tho debate were most outspoken in regard to the urgency of the case. Questions were asked as to the constitution of the committee which the Government'had sot up to allocate the space available for export of .frozen .produce. Some of the speakers pointed out that an overpowering majority of the committee represented the shipping companies whose interests were bound up with those of the freezing companies carrying on business in other parts of the Dominion. This was regarded by some, as being the explanation of the unfair proportion of space being granted to Auckland. A strong plea for direct representation on the committee was put forward. Another matter dwelt on ■was the need for more insulated storage space, ibut doubts were expressed as to whether the increases could be effected in time to be of use during the -present season. The opinions of the conference are to be .brought into (prominence at the seat of Government without delay.

The serious position that has arisen in connection with the shortage of ships and the congestion that .is taking place with tho exportable produce of Auckland was mentioned at a meeting of the committee of the Auckland Agricultural and Pastoral Association this afternoon. The president, Mr. S. W. Luxford, said that 'one of -our greatest industries was threatened with paralysis. The shortago of space, appeared to have been brought about by the fact that a number of our vessels were commandeered to carry troops. We did not know where we were. The butter season would open in a couple of months, and we could not arrange for the shipment of our dairy produce when it was urgent. 'Mr.' Luxford stated that the Government in conjunction with the Imperial authorities should endeavor to cope with what was an exceedingly serious position.