GRAIN FREIGHTS.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20107, 10 December 1930, Page 16

GRAIN FREIGHTS.

THE RECENT INCREASE. Discussing the question of the 10 per cent, increase 011 the railway freights for grain, the December issue of the "Wheatgrower" lias the following: Jt is to be regretted that the Kailway Department has deemed it necessary to increase the freight rate 011 wheat. It has to be recognise.! that the railways should bo made to pay, consistent with some allowance for the rendering of a public service, but it might be suggested that this could be better secured by more economy in staffing and less waste in administration. It is true that the increase is not particularly heavy, but on big weights over long railages it will bo an item of some importance. At presentthere is somo "back-loading"' of wheat by motor lorries to the city, and the railway increase may divert a little more traffic from the rail. However, the Railway Commission recommended that grain be exempted from tho proposed increases, and it is to be presumed that the Commission had sound reason for its advice. It has been calculated that the annual cost, which the wheat crop pays in railage is from £SO,OOO to £IOO,OOO, so the increase! of .10 per cent, means the extraction of another iiSOOO or £IO,OOO from an industry which is peculiarly subjected to the ".slings and arrows.'' The following table shows how the advance in freights has been steady and continuous over the last decade or so (ton freight on 25 miles is dealt with): — l!»nt 1017 lfi'io H)2r. i9:;o 3s 11.8 d 4s f>.2d f>s 8.4 d (is Id 6s Sd | The per ton increase over various

mileages is set out in the schedule as follows: —

In effect, freight on an average rail of 00 miles now costs the grower of say, 6000 bushels (150 tons), something near £■ 90. ® metropolitan show, awards of trophies. The following awards of trophies in connexion with the Canterbury A. and P. Association's Metropolitan Show this year have been made : The Murphy Memorial Cup, ottered this year for most points in Clydesdale horses, has been won by Mr H. E. Cook, Webb's road, Bcvndwr. The Leonard White Silver Challenge Shield, for the exhibitor gaining most points in the stud classes, has been won bv -Mr J. A. Johnstone. Palmerston South. Mr Johnstone lias won this shield annually from and including 1926. From and including 1923 to" 1925 it was won by Canterbury Agricultural College.

Old Kate A'ew Kate 25 miles s. 6 d. 1 6 d. 8 50 miles 75 miles ... :ia 'J, 10 13 4 100 miles .. J 3 6 14 10 125 miles .. 15 1 It! 150 miles .. 16 5 IS 1