WHALE OIL FREIGHTS.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 257, 11 October 1928, Page 3

WHALE OIL FREIGHTS.

A REDUCTION SOUGHT. Matamata Chamber’s Action. Some time ago the Matamata Chamber of Commerce approached the Railway Department with a view to getting a reduction for farmers in the freight charges upon imported molasses, largely used in stock feeding. It was pointed out that the local article was not always obtainable at any price. The reasonableness of the case was recognised by the department, and the freight reduced to equal that on the locallymade article. The difference was 5s per barrel, which has since been passed on to the benefit of the farmers. Now another similar attempt is being made to clear away a second anomaly, also relative to freight upon stock foods, the article in this case being whale oil. The secretary of the chamber, acting under instructions from the president, Mr. B. C. Taylor, has wired to the Minister of Railways and to Mr. F: F. Hockly, M.P., asking that whale oil be freighted under class “ E,” instead of under “ D,” as at present. If granted, the reduction would amount to 5s per seven barrels, or approximately Is per cwt. Whale oil is used, with milk, very largely for calves and pigs, being considered an especially good food for fattening the latter.