HIGHER FREIGHTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 July 1920, Page 4

HIGHER FREIGHTS.

SOUTH ISLAND CARGO AFFECTED. ADVANCE OF 2/6 PER TON. Sea-borne goods for Taranaki from South Island ports to New Plymouth will in future bear an increase in freight of 2s Gd per ton.

It will be recalled thai the Union Company's regular service with the Mapourika was discontinued. The matter was later the subject of a conference between the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce and the Company's manager (Mr. Aitken), when the latter informed the delegates if the running was to be resumed an increase in freight charges would have ito be made. "Business people were of opinion that the extra cost would be preferable to no service, and the Mapourika has resumed running between South Island ports and New Plymouth. She is due here on Friday, the first trip since the new arrangement, which will mark the inauguration of the advanced rate for cargo. Amongst other commodities which will lie affected is the Nelson fruit supply, and apples will bear about threepence per case extra freight. An apparent anomaly in respect of the carriage of apples by rail was mentioned by one merchant. He states that the charge per case op this fruit from the Breakwater to New Plymouth amounts to Gd (approximately), while the carriage from as far away as Hastings is only Bid. It is realised, of course, that a flafje rate per ton i« struck on all goods carried from the Breakwater, while fruit is classed at a special rate over all other routes, but the difference in mileage ds so great that there appears to be an inequality in the charges. It is understood that there are prospects of an increase in freights between Onelninga and New Plymouth, but no announcement has been made yet.