SHIPPING FREIGHTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1896, 29 October 1918, Page 3

SHIPPING FREIGHTS.

, PROPOSED INCREASE. EXPORTED CARGO AFFECTED, The proposed increase in freight rates on certain lines exported to Great Britain is the subject of a communication from the president of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, Mr Robert Burns, to the Prime Minister. Mr Burns states that Auckland merchants are of the opinion that the plea of increased expenses in running the vessels cannot in any way justify the increases. He says that according to English papers profits of from 40 to 50 per cent, are at present being earned by vessels running between New Zealand and England. Mr Burns submits the following comparison of freight rates: —

‘Requisitioned by the Imperial Government. Mr Burns states that he understands that all steamers are being run under the direction of the Imperial Government, and that any profit, after paying charter at BlueBook rates, belongs to the Government. “I am informed,” he says, “that the proposed advances only affect goods sent from New Zealand which have been requisitioned by the Imperial Government, and (bat no advance in the rale of freight is intended io ho charged on goods *ent from (ho Old Country. It almost looks (o (hose lo whom no explanation for the increases has been given ilia! i( is an attempt at profiteering on (lie paid ot the Imperial Government.” Mr Burns has suggested that the Prime 'Minister should bring the matter before the Imperial authorities, indicating how the proposed increase will affect New Zealand merchants. —New Zealand Herald.

Pre-war Late Prop’sd Hales. Rates. Rates. Goods. Per ton. Per ton. Per ton. Hemp 05s. 325s. 400s. Tow 80 520 010 Tallow 40 210 200 Copra Hides— 40 260 320 In casli :s 40 105 205 In saeli :s 50 210 200 Per lb , Peril). Peril), "Wool gd '2;}d. 2 }d.