OVERSEAS TRADE

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 280, 20 August 1921, Page 7

OVERSEAS TRADE

NO FREIGHT REDUCTIONS TO BE EXPECTED SHIPOWNERS’ STATEMENT By Telserach—Frees Assoctation-Uonrrlghl London, August 18. In reference to the requests of the Australian producers' organisations for a reduction in freights, the shipowners reiterate that no reductions are likely at present.

A prominent authority in tire Australian shipping trade says that the comparison of' the rates presented by tire Brisbane deputation to tire shipowners’ representatives is most misleading. The rate quoted for wheat is for full cargoes. The comparison of the space occupied by wool and wheat must be taken into consideration; and the owner has also to take the risk of not getting nit> ship filled. Recently it has frequently been impossible to secure a full cargo from Australia, and some ships have been detained for two months in order to get a complete cargo. The differential scale of freight for wool, tallow, ‘copra, and other goods was worked out on a basis representing more or less the value of the space and the cost of handling. It is not to the advantage of shipowners to impose charges which handicap merchants in competition in ths world’s markets. The owners recognise only a fair margin of profit compatible with the interests either of themselves or of the shippers; but the shipowners must not be expeted to run their vessels on a basis which represents the exchange of a two halfpennies for a penny, or perhaps a dead loss.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

WORK OF TRADE DEPARTMENT

CLOSE CO-OPERATION ADVOCATED. London, August 18.

The committee appointed to investigate the methods of the Department of Overseas Trade reports that its operations should be conducted on a self-support-ing basis. Fees should be charged to traders for the services rendered by the Department. Reports of the Overseas Commissioners should be published at a price to cover the cost of production, and should not be issued as official publications at a price which hardly pays for the paper used. The committee strongly advocates the closest co-opera-tion with trading associations like the Federation of British Industries. Such co-operation should include the mutual exchange of information, eo as to avoid the duplication of work.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.