AUCKLAND DAIRIES. REDUCTION OF RAILWAY CHARGES. Auckland, May 8.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 367, 11 May 1889, Page 4

AUCKLAND DAIRIES. REDUCTION OF RAILWAY CHARGES. Auckland, May 8.

Tiirc Chief Commissioner of Railways, Mr McKerrow, was interviewed this morning Messrs Spragg and Fry, on behalf of the Auckland Dairy Association wibh the object of obtaining a reduction in rates for the conveyance of milk to various centiofe on the lino, the cost of conveyance to Auckland from these centres to remain as at present. Mr Spragg- stated that just now the Association paid 2^d per gallon for milk, and that if the concession now asked for were granted, ib was probable that they would be ablo to offer 3d per gallon next season. Mr McKerrow leferring to a previous comm un ication received from the Association on tins subject, said that the matter received careful consideration, and that it would be taken up again. Tho proposal now made virtually amounted to this, that the railway department was, tor a time at least, to subsidise the dairy business. Tho Association did not insist upon concessions upon a commei'cial basis, but on the ground that they would promote the settlement of the country. Of course if the country could be made more prosperous it would bring more people to the land, and he was greatly in sympathy with the views expressed. There were, however, many things to be thought of. He had every sympathy with the poor settler, and knew of his toils and difficulties. Mr Spragg said that last season the Association gave settlers an advanced price for their milk in the hope that they would receivo a concession in the shape of lower rates to the creameries, but the reduction did not come Mr McKerrow promised to bring the matter betore the Commissioners, and also to visit the Dairy Association's premises to-morrow.