Coastal Freights.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 July 1922, Page 2

Coastal Freights.

[by TELEGRAPH—PER PRESS ASSOCIATION]

CHRISTCHURCH, July 25 Rumours of pending substantial decreases on coastal freights have been gaining ground in shipping circles during the past few weeks. Already there have been slight rductions on some classes of cargo, and some of the smaller shipping companies are beginning to cut. The Lyttelton-Auckland trade is particularly affected, and a considerable reduction in freight is-mentioned in connexion- with one steamer loading here towards the end of the week. Keen competition is being shown between the various companies, and several new coastal routes have been opened up, or rather recommended during the past few months. DUNEDIN, July 26.The rumours of pending substantial decreases on coastal freights, as stated in Christchurch, were referred to ship.-'*' ~ ping companies trading in Dunedin. Enquiries showed that slight reductions have been made in the freight on two or three commodities, hut no substantial reductions can he made in freights until the cost of running steamers and handling cargo is considerably reduced, and this cannot he until such time as the Arbitration Court fixes the wages for watersiders and seamen. Inirnediately this has been done, the shipping companies will revise the list of freights in proportion to the reduced cost of running.

With regard to the reference to one steamer loading for Auckland, this probably refers to an outside steamer which every two or three months makes one trip up the coast, hut this isolated trip cannot by any means be termed a- new service at reduced rates. There is no suggestion of companies cutting the rates; as the heavy cost of running prevents this. 1