PREFERENTIAL RAILWAY RATE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3945, 21 May 1929, Page 3

PREFERENTIAL RAILWAY RATE.

SERIOUS EFFECT ON LOCAL TRADE. HARBOUR BOARD TO CONFER WITH MINISTER FOR RAILWAYS. The preferential railway rate and its effect on the port of Fox ton was thoroughly discussed at yesterday’s meeting of the Foxton Harbour Board. The secretary (Mr. R. Rangiheuea) submitted a statement to the meeting which was read as follows: — “As you are no doubt aware, the Railway Department has for some considerable time past carried goods ex-ship froim the port of Wanganui to the towns of Feilding and (Palmerston North at considerably reduced rates; and although the authorities have been requested to grant a similar concession on goods to these town ex-Foxton, no action has been talken. “This, in view of the fact that the towns mentioned are situated within the Foxton Harbour District, is a very serious state of affairs. and gives to the port of Wanganui, together with the shipping- companies trading there, a very unfair and improper advan-

tage over the local port and the shipping companies supporting it. “The following details of Railway Rates per ton will help you to form some idea of the extent to which the Wjanganui port is benefiting at the expense of Foxton. ORDINARY TARIFF RATES. Foxton to Feilding (36 miles): — Class A 33/7; B 28/-; € 23/8; D 19/6; E 7/10. Foxton to 'Palmerston North (24 miles) :—Class A 22/5; !B 19/7; C 17/2; D 14/8; E 5/10. Wanganui to Feilding (51 miles) : —iClass A 44/10; B 38/2; C 32/8; D 24/9; E 9/7. Wanganui to Palmerston North (63 miles): —Class A 52/5; B 44/4; C 37/8; D 28/11; E 11/-. PREFERENTIAL RATE OPERATING FRODI WANGANUI. Wanganui to Feilding (51 miles) : —Classes A., 8., C., D., (one flat rate) 20/-; E 9/7. Wanganui to Palmerston North (63 miles): —'Classes A., 8., C., 0., (one fiat rate) 30/-; E 11/-. “From the foregoing, you will see the greatness of the preference granted to Wanganui over places within your own Board’s rating area, “Wjhejn the matter of a reduction from {Fox ton Was Iplae’ed jbefore the authorities on a previous occasion, their argument against the proposal was to the effect that the shipping trade was in direct opposition to the rail business and the suggestion was turned down. Dlr. M. E. Perreau said the position whs very serious and called for immediate action by the Board. Dlr. A. J. Kellow said the position appealed to be that the Railway Department had reduced its charges to compete Avith the motor traffic from Wanganui. He did not think that the Department Avould favour any reduction in freight charges from Foxton as this was in direct opposition to the Wellington service to Palmerston North. Dlr. Perreau: It is a most serious thing as far as Foxton is concerned and it is very unfair that Foxton should be penalised in this way.

It was decided" tha t Messrs Linklater and Nash, M.P’s., interview the Dlinistei’ for Railways on the matter and report, to next meeting-