SHIPPING PROSPECTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 July 1918, Page 4

SHIPPING PROSPECTS.

A GOOD DEAL OP UNCERTAINTY. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Wellington, July 24. , Official information placed before tilt, members of the butter committee at their conference, which concluded to-day, emphasised the uncertainty of the shipping prospects. The contract with the Imperial Government for the sale of export butter expires on July 31, and the Government is unable at present to rive a definite assurance that satisfactory arrangements can be made for next season. The situation is governed 'by the shipping outlook, and the requirements of the Imperial Government, which gives first preference to meat and second preference to cheese. The seriousness of the present position is shown by the condition of the meat stores. The total capacity of the cold stores available for meat is about 6,400,000 freight carcases, and the n»°nI tity of meat actually in store is dim Upon _ 5,200,000' freight carcases. Tha snipping that has been promised feff tin next two months will lift approximately 600,000 carcases. The concluding of the year have been good ones turn the shipping point of view in other tosts, and the same thing may happen this year. But it seems absolntety certain that the stores will not be emptied sufficiently to make room &r the meat that would come along under noemai-ccBN ditions during the coming season, This freezing companies will haye to m stoit next season unless the sm, proves unexpectedly, and any r.mmMUi that arise in the reception of *"»?t apply with equal or greater cheese-and butter.