PREFERENTIAL RAILWAY RATES FROM WANGANUI.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3961, 27 June 1929, Page 2

PREFERENTIAL RAILWAY RATES FROM WANGANUI.

DISiCUSS'ED BY PALMERSTON NORTH CHAMBER OF commerce. The Foxton Harbour Board directed the attention of the Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday to the necessity of having the freight rates between Palmerston North and Foxton together with Feilding, placed on the same basis as those now cun’ont between Wanganui and Palmerston North, including Feilding. It was suggested that a deputation comprising delegates from the Palmerston North, Foxton, Levin and Feilding Chambers should join forces with the district M.P.’s in an endeavour to obtain the Minister’s consent- to the re-adjustment, of cijrrent fates. All that 'was required was a pro rata basis of freight rates on transhipments at Wellington and on goods from the South Island ports. If this was done, the department’s action would doubtless m'eet until the requirements of all sections of the community. Mr. M. 11. Oram intimated that there was no doubt, that the Railway department was cutting the Wanganud-Marton freights so .as to compete with motor and seaborne traffic. Foxton was quite bight in asking it be given the same preferential treatment. It would not suit the Railway department, because the preferential treatment on the Wanganui line was not given to help Wanganui but to keep trade on the railways. Mk\ L. H. Oollinson thought the department would get in proportion .as (mueh opposition from motor traffic from Foxton as from Wanganui. Mr. A. P. Stuart pointed out- that there was no back loading to Foxton, which made all the difference. Mr. F. S. Goldingbam submitted a report on the position for. the (Chamber’s guidance. Mr. Oram suggested that a subcommittee should be set up to report on the matter as there were many points which should not he overlooked. Many members of the Chamber knew, very little about the question. The Chamber agreed to this line of action and Messrs J. Wallace (convenor), F. S. Goldingbam, ,W. G. Ross, W, E. Winks and A. P. Stuart were appointed a sub-com-mittee to present a report.