THE RAILWAY TARIFF

Hokitika Guardian, 12 August 1925, Page 3

THE RAILWAY TARIFF

REVISED AND A I’J’KOVF.J). [BY TKJ.IiUKAI'It —I*KU i'RKSS AsSoeiAllO.s.j WELLINGTON. August 12. ’I he ne" Railway 'lariii as revised since the Boards prop,sals were first submitted were finally approved. The adjustments include an increase in lire rale on native suit coals ami live sloes and a new rate ior road metal used in ionics competing with the railway. I lie cniii'ession hiiherto allowed only on prime heel has been extended to cover all beet for export, but tile rates on fiozen million, lamb and pork is retained at practically their old level. i’HEAllEll .-s ( OAEMF.NT. WELLINGTON, August 12. Commenting on the railway tarill, the Prime .Minister (the Hon. .1. G. Conies) points out the Department has to be placed on a business footing and the Uoiiunis'iuii had shown that there was no margin for reduction in rates unless by so doing more tral!i„ could he secured. Owing to a rise in interest, increases in .superannuation and other causes, ii is estimated that an additional I'IUU.OOO "ill be required for the current year. Willi regard to coal, said the I’remicr, the discussion centred largely round New Zealand soft coals. The owners recognised the Department was entitled to reasonable remuneration and agreed that there should be an increase spread over the whole trailie. both lor long and short distances, so that at no point should the position of the mines bo jeopardised as to distant markets. Bates on live stock, except pigs, would to increased by 71 per cent. Even ihen they will enmpare more than favourably with the rates in Australia. Slight concessions are made in newspaper privilege tickets by allowing them to he used by newspapers publishing less often than once a week ami in rates on (umnieroial travellers’ lug-

gage. Air Coates expresses pleasure at the reception given the tariff and the general admission that this difficult matter lias boon handled without pressing with undue harshness oil the general (•(immunity.