RAILWAY CHARGES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2901, 25 June 1925, Page 3

RAILWAY CHARGES.

REVISION OF SCHEDULE. f$ Wellington, June 22. In connection with the proposals' of the Railway Board, a report states that, as the result of inquires it lias obtained an adequate insight in to the wants of the department’s customers. The information thus gained has also definitely pointed in the direction of a general demand for a better service, rather than reduced rates. This view is supported by the report of the commission of the English railway experts who recently enquired into railway affairs, and who, in dealing with the matter of competition with the railways, stated that they did not think that rates had had so, much effect upon traffic as the facilities of door to door conveyance]. Another factor is the financial position of the department. The Royal Commission stated that the experience from the year proceeding their report was thdt there was no margin for a reduction of rates unless by doing so more traffic could be secured. Regarding anomalies, the position was difficult, because concessions in rates had been given for specific purposes. Principal alterations. —Passenger rates will not be materially affected. Holiday excursion fares will not be further reduced, but concessions will be given as to th^

use of tickets at the minimum charges. Reduced special excursion fares are lo be charged when deemed desirable. Family, ordinary' and excursion tickets will be issued, also twelve and fiftey-trip tickets. For season tickets there will be no alteration in cost. Annual tickets will bear a slight increase, and reporters’ tickets will be increased to two-thirds the ordinary fare. Concessions are made to picnic parties from schools, factories and trade unions. In suburban fares, concessions arc made for shorter distances up to live miles. Charges for excess luggage, arc reduced and checking charges increased; those for parcels are also increased and various oilier concessions given. Regarding charges for fruit and vegetables, differentiation ceases, all commodities mentioned in the regulation being brought into line. There is a lengthy list under the classifications rate. There will be an increased charge on frozen meat and wool bat slight decreases in the excess rates on live stock. One material alteration is the prescription of the minimum half-truck rale for lots of animals. Charges on metal for local bodies are to be increased but charges tor demurrage will not be made until eight hours have expired, instead of (he present five hours. A new provision is inserted prescribing a charge of Is 5d per ton per clay or part of day when goods for shipment are held in tnudes waiting to lie shipped. Regarding coal rates, it seems impossible 1 .justify the continuance of special rales if the department. is to pay its wav. Various changes are made in the coal rates and many pages are given to details of classification and interpretations.