RAILWAY REBATE

Hokitika Guardian, 20 September 1932, Page 2

RAILWAY REBATE

FROZEN MEAT CHARGES FARMERS CONCERNED. MASTER-TON, September 17.. “It is one cf the most peculiar decisions J. have over known lor the Railways Hoard to penalise farmers in the backblacks,” commenced Mr W. l’erry, when the- rail rebate on frozen meat was under discussion at a meet;tig oi the Masterton A. and P. Association yesterday- afternoon. In a communication from the New Zealand Farmers’ Union on the subject, it was stated that* according to the general scale of charges issued by the Railways -Board, the charges computed might be reduced by 30 per cent, on beef and veal, and 20 per cent on mutton, lamb and pork being railed to the ship’s side, in any case where the board was satisfied that the meat had been produced from animals, conveyed by rail ‘to the freezing works. Until quite recently the Railway Department allowed this rebate on frozen meat carried from freezing works to the ship’s f.ide as a discount, because most of 'tlie live stock had been railed to the freezing' works prior to killing. With tlie advent of motor transport, a considerable quantity of stock >ylrth could have been railed was sent ‘bo \ ie works by motor-lorry. This practice became so common that the Railway Department bad been forced, to withdraw the rebate on frozen men's, if the live stock bad not been railed to the freezing works (except within a tenmile radius from the works), The Railway Department recognised, 'that trucking was not necessary for such a short distance as ten miles, and did not .wish to penalise owners. In the case of stock from beyond the ten-mile radius sent by motor-lorry where no railway was available the Railway Deportent bad decided that this rebate would have to stop-. This concession, the circular pointed out, meant a lot to farmers in the backblocks at the present time, and should, be continued if at all'possible. It was urged that representations should be ’made to the Railways Board asking it to further consider the case of farmers in the backblocks who were not served by the railways.

Mr Perry observed that the matter was a puzzle to every farmer in New Zealand. Representations had been made t-o the board, hut so far without effect.

Air J. Jameson expressed the opinion that what th'e Railways Board was aiming at was the freezing works companies, but it was reflecting back to the farmer.

Mr E. G. Norman said the regulations applied not only to fat stock sent to the works by lorry, but also stock sent by foot. This, he held, put a very unfair imposition on country works in ports, where practically the whole of the stock had to come by rail.