THE SHIPPING OUTLOOK.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 September 1918, Page 4

THE SHIPPING OUTLOOK.

NO OCCASION FOR' UNDUE ALARM. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Wellington, Sept. 25. , The Ministerial for Imperial Supplies has cabled to London for information regarding the statement attributed to Mr. Hooter, that ships 'will be diverted from the Australasian trade for the carriage of American produce nest year. Mr. Guthrie is not disposed in the meantime to attach much importance to the statement. The reports he has received already indicate that Australia and New Zealand are going to receive a certain share of shipping next year, and his estimates lead him to believe that while , big accumulations of produce will have \ to be carried forward, there will be no actual dislocation of production. Mr. Hoover's statement was intended evidently for the American people, who are being urged to reduce consumption and increase production in the interests of the Allies. The American Food Con- y troller was not considering Australasian conditions, and his reference to shipping might have a much modified meaning if read with its contest. The Minister considers it very important, in any case, that ihe producers should i not allow themselves to be alarmed by reports of difficulties ahead. New Zealand has faced many difficulties in connection with the sale of its produce under war conditions, and has managed so far to overcome them., Mr. Masgey and Sir Joseph Ward have had opportunity during recent months to consult the Imperial authorities and to make representations on the shipping question. They appear satisfied that New Zealand is not going to be placed in any disastrous position by the transfer of'shipping.