INCREASE IN FREIGHTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 560, 12 January 1929, Page 1

INCREASE IN FREIGHTS

OPINION OF SHIPPERS EARLY ADVANTAGE TAKEN” ( United P.A. ■—By Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) Reed. 10.5 a.m. LONDON, Friday. It is understood that the decision to omit iron and steel from the increase in freights to Australia was arrived at after a deal of consideration. It was pointed out that any increase would entirely nullify the recent slight reduction in British rail freights and that, furthermore, the Sydney harbour bridge contract was based on the rates prevailing when the contract was made. It is stated that these considerations were strongly advanced. There is a feeling among big shippers that very early advantage had been taken of the withdrawal of the Commonwealth Line from competition to impose a wholesale increase on all measurement freights. On the other hand, the shipowners stress that even had the Commonwealth Line still been in existence, the conditions would have demanded the present increase. The shipowners are endeavouring to acquaint the shippers with the new schedule without delay, but in the meantime delay continues in individual cases. The shipowners conferred long with representatives of the Paper Makers’ Association before fixing freights. An Australian Press Association discussion with members of the Australian Merchants’ Association reveals that the apparent reason for its desire for the rates not to be disclosed is an apprehension that the Australian Tariff Board might possibly increase the duty on articles on which freights have not been increased. Additional increases to the freights on paper not otherwise enumerated in bales, reels or rolls is from 55s to 62s 6d; in cases, 90s to 100 s; flat in cases, 55s to 70s; wrapping, in cases 75s to 85s, hales 55s to 655.