FREIGHTS ON MEAT.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 February 1921, Page 4

FREIGHTS ON MEAT.

REVISED RATES ADOPTED. INCREASE FROM NEW SEASON. PREMIER NOT SATISFIED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. In reference to the representations by the Premier, urging the Imperia’, authorities to reduce the freight on meat, Mr. Massey has received the following cablegram from the High Commissioner: “The Ministry of Food agreed to pay shipowners here money at the rate of 144 s per 40 cubic feet insulated space, charging shippers of free meat poundage rates equivalent thereto, plus five per cent, to cover the cost of administration and of ’.ead freight. The poundage rates referred to in my telegram of Jan. 5 were worked out by the steamship lines here. The calculation of the Wellington committee showed a material increase, and an investigation of the latter’s figures in the light of actual shipments confirmed the views of the Wellington committee. The following poundage rates will therefore operate on steamers for March and April loading: Beef, 115-fl6d; mutton, 21-8 d; lamb, 2 5-lGd; all nett. “The Ministry regrets it becomes necessary to raise the rates after the new season’s shipments have commenced, but in order to avoid hardships where commitments have been entered into, the Wellington committee have been instructed to ask the freezing companies to telegraph their actual contracts, with a view to the adjustment of rates in such cases. I have made strong representations to the Ministry, but they are unable to make further concessions.” Mr. Massey said he would make further representations.