THE GRAIN AND WOOL TARIFF ON THE RAILWAY.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1254, 14 March 1878, Page 3

THE GRAIN AND WOOL TARIFF ON THE RAILWAY.

(Dunedin “ Morning Herald,” March 11th.) A deputation, consisting of Mr E. Oliver (chairman of the Chamber of Commerce), Hon. W. H. Keynolds, Messrs E. H. Leary, H. Tewsley, and H. J. Walter, -waited upon the Premier and the Hon. James Macandrew, on Saturday, for the purpose of calling attention to the unfairness of the railway tariff for grain and wool on the lines between South Canterbury and Lyttelton. Mr Oliver said that he had just received the following telegram from the chairman of the Chamber of Commerce at Timaru:— “ This is a copy of the resolution passed this day— ‘ That the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce be asked to interview Sir Q-eorge Grey to urge the adjustment of railway tariff for Canterbury, putting all ports on an equal footing, and a consideration of committee’s report forwarded, and further represent that little or no grain or wool is sent to Lyttelton by water carriage. Therefore the railway is not losing trade to Lyttelton, as represented by the Lyttelton Harbor Board, but the tendency seems to be to divert the trade that now' goes to Dunedin to Lyttelton, The Chamber feels that most unjustifiable preference is now given to Lyttelton to the immediate detriment of other ports.’ ” The following telegram was from a member of the Timaru Chamber of Commerce ;—“ E. Oliver, Esq., Chairman Dunedin Chamber of ComPlease urge the injustice of 2s 6d terminal charge at Timaru when trucks are discharged at private sidings by owners of grain. No such charge at Lyttelton. We think all ports along the main trunk line south of Lyttelton should be equitably recognised by railway authorities. Make what use of this you please.” The recent alterations in the railway tariff had detrimentally affected the trade of Oamaru, Timaru, and Port Chalmers. The present rates seemed designed to bolster up Lyttelton as the port of shipment for South Canterbury. From Timaru to Lyttelton the freight was only 14s per ton, whereas from Lyttelton to Timaru, on exactly the same line, it was 20s Id per ton. The rate from Oamaru to Timaru was 13s 4d, so that in the case of Lyttelton only 8d per ton more was charged for about fifty miles further. The alteration had been made obviously for the interests of persons at Lyttelton in the shipment of grain. It had not been done in the interests of the railway department, because the charges could not pay, and the whole colony was therefore taxed to bolster up the trade of one port. The Chamber desired fo, see Lyttelton prosperous, but not at the direct expense of Port Chalmers, Timaru, and Oamaru. These alterations hacj beep the cause of much complaint, and he hoped that the tariff would he readjusted immediately. Sir George Grey—l have no doubt that Mr Macandrew will attend to the matter. Hon. Mr Macandrew—lt is all new to me. I will get the Commissioner of Eailways to communicate personally with you, and be able to understand better from him how this has happened. The only reason why I see any reduction should be made is competition in the water carriage. I can see that in order to get the traffic into his own hands the charges have been lowered. Mr Tewsley—The water carriage is 15s fid between Timaru and Dunedin.

Mr Oliver —The Chamber feels that preference is given to Lyttelton above the other ports. Hon. Mr Macandrew—There is no desire on the part of the Government to favour any port. ' However, I know that the other day 500 tone of stuff were lost to the railway because it was cheaper by water carriage. A large number of trucks were coming epipty from Lyttelton, and there w?ia a loss to, the State of £550.

After some further conversation, Hon. Mr Macandrew —I think this is the best course to pursue. I will set Mr Conyers into communication with you, and if you do not get a satisfactory explanation fyosn him, we will have to interpose.