PRODUCE AWAITING SHIPMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 June 1918, Page 8

PRODUCE AWAITING SHIPMENT.

SHORTAGE OF SHIPPING ACUTK. (From Our Own Correspondent). Wellington, June 7. The announcement that the Imperial Government will pay £3,000,000 on account of £4,000,000 of frozen meat held in New Zealand on account of the Imperial Supplies Department is an indication of the amount of produce that !s awaiting shipment in the Dominion. The shortage of shipping is still acute, and it docs not appear that H ere is any immediate prospect of an improvement. The situation is really explained fully by the recent announcement that thera are now. a million American soldiers in France, The ships that normally would be moylng New Zealand produce are engaged at present, on more important work. The outlook for the future is uncertain. but official opinion is that the Government will be able to handle the produce. The storage accommodation available in this country is very much larger than it was at the beginning of last year, ami a great deal of stuff will be moved before (he beginning of next season, even if the present rate of shipment is not increased. The advance just made on the meat hold in store is an indication that the Imperial authorities are not overlooking New Zealand Interests, and it is possible that next year fiie shipping position will he much easier.