FLOUR CARGOES THROUGH PORT OF FOXTON.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 40034, 3 December 1929, Page 2

FLOUR CARGOES THROUGH PORT OF FOXTON.

NO VARIATION OF PREFEREN-

TIAL RATE. Despite the fact that strong representations have been made to Distributors, Ltd., by both the Foxton Harbour Board and Chamber of Commerce to have Foxton placed on the same footing as other ports in regard to flour shipments, the Distributors have refused to grant the concession and*at yesterday's meeting of the Foxton Harliour Board a letter was received from them stating that they could not alter the existing arrangemeiifs in the meantime. Mr. \\l E. Barber commented that the position was not very satisfactory. Mr. J. Liiiiklater, M.P.: No, it is not.

Mr. A. J. Kellow urged a further protest. It seemed to him ridiculous that flour could be got through Wanganui 10/- cheaper. The position seemed to be that if the Foxton boats went to’*"'Tirnaru and Oaniaru the reduction would he granted. The chairman suggested that- the flour be brought by rail to Lyttelton.

Mr. Kellow: But that is what puts the freight up.

Mr. R. Edwards did not think the explanation of the distributors was satisfactory. Mr. Kellow-: Their argument is reasonable, but it is restricting trade at Foxton. I think the matter should be taken up with the Minister of Customs.

Mr. Edwards: Ten shillings is a big thing. Mr. Kellow: People in Palmerston North 'can’t get flour through Foxton, as the charges are too /high.

Mr. M. .E. Peirreau: It is an injustice to the port of Foxton.

Mr. Fellow stated that if Foxton were placed on the saline footing as 'U'anganui and Wellington, then all ' the llour required for the district, and even the Dannevirke and I’ahiatua districts, could he brought through the port. The reply of the distrilnitors' to this, suggestion, however, was that they would not have enough {flour at Lyttelton, 1 from where the Foxton boat to supply such a. large area. Transhipment at Lyttelton would soon cat \ip 10/-. v The chairman asked if the Foxion boats could not go to Tirnaru or Oama.ru, hut it was pointed out that; it would be a long way out of their tunning.

Mr. C. Blenkhorn moved that a strong protest again be entered and that the department be approached iii the matter. The motion was carried.