FARMERS’ SHIPPING.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 May 1921, Page 5

FARMERS’ SHIPPING.

CABINET STILL CONSIDERING PROPOSALS. THE “BLUE BOOK” OFFER. The members of the Producers’ Committee recently interviewed the AetingPrime Minister (Sir Francis Bell) and other members of the Ministry, and placed before them suggestions in connection with the proposal to establish a farmers’ shipping company, eupported but not controlled by the Government. Sir Francis Bell promised that the suggestion would receive the consideration of Cabinet. He stated on Wednesday, in answer to a question on the subject, that the matter was still under consideration, and no decision could be announced.

Shipping freights, and the possibility of affording relief to the producers by the purchase or charter of ships are among the matters that will receive the attention of the Prime Minister during his stay in London. It will be remembered that some months ago, when the Government was pressing for a reduction in freights on New Zealand produce, the representatives of the /dripping companies offered to hand over the ships to the Government at ‘TBlue-book rates”. Mr. Massey stated at the time that he was unable to learn here just what this offer amounted to, but he would seek information when the opportunity offered. It ha® been stated that the scheme ef charter suggested would not have afforded any great relief to the producers. Since then the freezing companies have entered into a contract with the shipping companies for the rest of this season and ail next season, so th&t there seem® to be no early prospect of a reduction in meat freights in any CMVk