FREIGHT ON MEAT

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 132, 28 February 1921, Page 4

FREIGHT ON MEAT

NEW POUNDAGE RATES CABLEGRAM FROM HIGH COMMISSIONER By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, February -.7. With reference to representations by the Prime Minister urging the Imperial authorities to reduce freight on m Mr Massey has received the following cablegram from ths High Commisioner. "Ministry of Food agreed to pay owners here money at the Tate ofl 144.per 40 cubic feet insulated space, charging the shippers of free meat poundage rates equivalent thereto, plus 5 per cent - to cover the cost of administration, and of dead freight!. The poundage rates referred to in my telegram of January 5 were worked by steamship lines here. The calculation of the Wellington Committee showed a material increase, and investigation of the latter’s figures, in the light of acttoal shipments, confirmed the views of the Wellington committee. The following poundage rates will therefore operate on steamers for March and April Loading: Beef, 1 15-16 d.; mutton, 2Jd.; lamb, 2 5-lfxl., all net. The Minis, ttry ’regrets that it becomes necessary to' raise the rates after the new season’s shipments have commenced, but in order to avoid hardships where commitments have been entered into, the Wellington committee has been instructed io ask the ffezing companies to telegraph their actual contracts. With a view to adjustment of the rates in such cases, I hare made strong reprcsejita'tEons to the Ministry, but they are unable to make further concessions.” Mr. Massey said that he would make further representations.