LOWER FREIGHTS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 149, 19 March 1921, Page 6

LOWER FREIGHTS

A GHEERING ANNOUNCEMENT NO DETAILS AT PRESENT Good news for tho primary producers of New Zealand was contained in an announcement made by the Prime Minister yesterday on the subject of shipping freights. “I have been in negotiation with representatives of the shipowners pretty constantly during the last few weeks," said Mr. Massey, "and I am able to say now that the prospects of a considerable decrease in the freights charged for our more important articles of produce- are very -good indeed. I cannot go into details at the moment.” The Leader of the Opposition (Mr. T. M. AVilford) made an interjection to the effect that it was to the shipowners’ interest to make a reasonable reduction. Mr. Massey (warmly): “If the shipping companies don’t help the producers in the present crisis and enable them to get their produce to the markets of the world at reasonable rates, they are committing suicide so far as their own business is concerned.”

SHIPPING COMPANIES ANNOUNCEMENT

REDUCTION FROM MONDAY NEXT.

The shipping companies announce a reduction in general cargo ratbs, to become effective until further notice, with general cargo loaded on and after Monday next.

The new rates show reductions on those previously ruling of from <£l 12s. 6d. to .£-t 10s. per ton, and apply to hemp, taltaw, pelts, hides, kauri gum, flax, preserved meats, etc. The reduced rates apply to most classes of general cargo, and full particulars will lie. in the hands of agents and branches of shipping companies .early next week.,