RAILWAY COMMISSION

Hokitika Guardian, 25 November 1924, Page 2

RAILWAY COMMISSION

FARM ELS’ I! Eijt 'EST S. WELLINGTON. Nov. 21. A noma lies in connec-tiuii with tinrailway freight rales cm articles lor agrietiltural use. were pointed out to the Railway ('cuuliiissioncrs. Sir S. 1-ay ami Sir Y. Raven to-day. on heh.-ill ol the New Zealand Farmers’ Fniciii and other producers’ organisations. Mr .1. Paw. .Secretary of the Farmers* l* ll ion said the rates should be altered by the Railway Department, su as to eliminate motor opposition. I lie I’nion contended that high freight upon fertilisers was tending to lessen production. The rales on pure bred stock and eggs were rather high, and the Poultry Association asked that eggs should he carried on express trains at freight rates. Sir S. Fay said that it was impassible to satisfy everyone in alter ol freight charges. T lie object, ol every classification li-l was to place the "burden of isites upon those who could atford to p.iv. The witness replied that there was a protective tarifl oil imported fertilisers, sheep din--. *-t‘. Sir S. Fay said that they had had a good deal of experience upon the question. where it was probably more pronounced and acute than in New land. It was more* a question ol Stale polic-v than of railway rates. He admitted it was a diliicult problem. Mr Paw said that tin* Fnion would sooner see rates cm wool increased than those on fertilisers. The Union also considered that freight on imported timber should be the same as on local timber. Another improvement suggested was better facilities for trucking grain.