RAILWAY MATTERS.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1999, 5 March 1914, Page 6

RAILWAY MATTERS.

PALMERSTOX REQUIREMENTS.. (By Tclesraph.—Prcs3 Association.; Palmerston, March 4. The Hon. W. li. Merries met a deputation from the Borough Council, Chamber of Commerce, and other citizens this evening. Besides local requirements, a reduction of freight on foreign coal and hardwood was' asked- for • to inland towns. '•: ,

Tho Minister replied that he could not see his way clear to alter tho conditions at present. ■ • The Chamber of Commerce asked that the freight on. wool sent back ; to the country for scouring should bo reduced. A reduction was also asked on hemp sent back damaged by water for drying. The shortage of trucks and tho consequent delay and loss to business men was also mentioned. :

■Mr. Herries replied that as regarded wool, coal, and hemp these matters had already been brought before the Department. The question of tariff was being revised, and he hoped to bring about improvements, but ho wanted to see his way clear to make up, the revenue, in some other way before, alterations were made.' Ho could not seo his. way clear at present to make the concession asked for on wool. The Department was endeavouring to cope with any shortage of trucks, and more wero being constructed. Tho abnormal season had accounted in a largo measure for the deficiency.