THE FREIGHT QUESTION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1502, 10 July 1905, Page 3

THE FREIGHT QUESTION.

BEPOBT FROM GISBORNE FARMERS’ UNION.

At the monthly meeting of the Gisborne branch of the Farmers’ Union held on Saturday afternoon, Mr W. D. Lysnar presided. The following report in regard to better freight arrangement between New Zealand and England was received from the Com-’ mittee appointed for that purpose : “ 1. That every effort should be made by the Government, commercial men, and farmers of this colony to get our freights for frozen meat and produce from New Zealand to England placed on the same terms and route aa our Australian neigh-, hours obtain, and so get our produce on England’s markets in the quickest time possible, and at the cheapest rates. 2. That the good efforts of the Government in subsidising the New Zealand and African Steamship Company, Ltd., line of steamers trading between New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and North of England ports to the extent of ,£30,000 per annum, is deserving of the best thanks of the farming community of this colony, but experience has shown that on account of the extremely long time of about 90 days which this Jine takes in delivering produce in the North of Englaod after leaving New Zealand, makes it prohibitive, and consequently, it is necessary that some better facilities should be found, aod the Committee suggests—(a) That the Government should subsidise a more direct line to England, providing such line carries frozen produce for the same freight as Australia pays, and at regular intervals, and delivers oargogin England within no more than 42 days after leaving New Zealand ports ; (b) and, further, that the time has arrived for the Government to take some steps towards the establishment of adequate cold storage accommodation in London for frozen produce arriving from New Zealand, so that the sales thereof con be regulated to suit the demands of the Homo markets, as it ofton happens that large shipments of produce arrive in London from all parts of the world about the same time, and, owing to there not being sufficient storage accommodation, the produce has to bo forced upon the market, often at a considerable loss to the produoer.” In moving the adoption of the report* the Chairman said that it was interesting to note, since the agitation started, that the line which the Government were subsidises had brought the rates down to the Australian basis; this was for produce going to tho North of England port 3. He thought this was very satisfactory, as it was the thin end of the wedge tor other Companies to follow suit. The reductions desired would moon a saving of £26 000 to the farmors of tbo district, so members would see how important it was to strive for the concessions. The want of adequate cold storage accommodation 1 ffi London had tended to lower the prices of produce, as there was at times a glut on tha P market. It was very easy to bring down prices, but very bard ‘o get th ?“ “f, nrmio V If the conpessions In tno mall ter of freight were not obtained, it would be cheaper for producers to ship *° Liverpool snl Glasgow and rail to London. Mr J. A. Cicsar seconded the adoption of the report. As far as railing produce from Liverpool to London was concerned, ho did not think this could be as the railway companies would not be 6 prS sufficient trucks. He thought every effort should bo made to obtain bottJr cold storage facilities m London At present, if there was a g u market, the largo colonial firms back their own consignments whilst smaller lo by the same steamers suffered cons.a«. ably. He hoped the Government would do all in their power to provide bettsr O °H storage in London, so that the meat could be placed on the market to tho best ad. V °Mr Birrell urged the necessity of storage accommodation at the nertoe ports of England as well as m London. Mr Cajsar said it would be too costly to provide cold storage all over the country. The report was adopted, and it was decided to send copies of it to the Premier, Sir Joseph Ward, Hon. J. Carroll, and to the Provincial Executive of the Farmers Union for distribution to all executives throughout the colony*