NO PURCHASE OF FATS.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 March 1919, Page 2

NO PURCHASE OF FATS.

OWING TO INSUFFICIENCY OF SPACE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchureh, March 19. A unique position arose in the Rangiora market yesterday in connection with the sale of fat?., lambs and the larger linos of fat sheep. The yarding was the largest of the season, and some consternation was caused when it was found that the freezer buyers were under . instructions from their heads not io operate Mr Bennett, general manager of the New Zealand Shipping Company, in the course of an interview, stated that the present situation was due to the insufficiency in the number of insulated ships. He did not think there was any immediate prospect of an improvement, at all events, for a month, or so. The only hops was that the New Zealand Government might persuade the Imperial authorities to divert some insulated steamers now in Australia or close at hand. There was far n«ore frozen meat and frozen dairy produce in New Zealand than in Australia. The diverting of ships had been urged by the Overseas Committee in Wellington and also by the New Zealand Government. The present position was that in a few weeks- more . than half the freezing works in the Dominion would be closed down for want of space, and the result would be very depressing on the market, as freezing buyers could not operate unless there was some- freezing space. As for the freezing • companies' committee controlling shipments, it worked on the principle of allotting shipping space where the stores were.full and the freezing companies were compelled to put stock out in accordance with instructions.