EXCESSIVE CHARGES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1813, 13 April 1918, Page 3

EXCESSIVE CHARGES.

ON GOODS HANDLED AT FOXTON.

The Manawatu County Council Avrote to Mr E. Newman, M.P. (forAvarding a copy of letter to the Foxton Harbour Board), drawing attention to the excessive charges made by the Ncav Zealand Railway Department on goods passing over the Foxton Avharf. This Avas considered at Thursday’s meeting. The charges on the Foxton wharf amountqfl to more than the freight to Sanson and intermediate stations. The ordinary rate of wharfage at Foxton Avas 2s per ton. When the Avar charges were added to the railAvay tariff this Avas increased as well, and at the present time stood at 2s plus 21 per cent. In December last a neAv charge for sorting, of Is Cd Avas made. In March this charge was raised to 2s fid plus 10 per cent., but on the Ist inst. a further 2s Avas added, making in all a charge of 4s fid, plus 21 per cent., with a minimum of Is 2d. , The settlers and councillors Avere of opinion that these charges Avere extortionate, and asked that endeavours be made to reduce the charges to their previous amount plus the necessary 21 per cent. The Chairman said that the Wanganui Harbour Board had advised him that when taking over the Foxton wharf to be sure and get the entire' control in their own hands. tl. Avas decided, on the motion of Mr Robertson:That this Board protests to the Railway Department against the increased charges for handling goods at the Foxton' Wharf, and points out as those increases have been applied to other wharves and that as this Board receives no benefit from such’ increased charges, it is evident the Railway Department is penalising river traffic to benefit the railways.” It Avas decided to notify the Manawatu County Council of the passing of this resolution, and inform them .that-when the Board took over the control of the wharf the grievance would be remedied.