SHIPPING FREIGHTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 August 1921, Page 5

SHIPPING FREIGHTS.

NO REDUCTION LIKELY,

DIFFICULTY WITH CARGO.

STEAMERS NOT PAYING. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, August 18. With reference to the requests by or- | ganisations of Australian producers for a reduction in freights, shipowners reiterate that no reductions are likely at present. A prominent authority in the Australian shipping trade says that the comparison of rates presented, by the Brisbane deputation to the shipowners’ representatives is most misleading. The rate quoted for wheat, is for full cargoes. The difference of the space occupied by wool and wheat must be taken into consideration, also that the owner has to take the risk of getting his ship filled. Recently it has frequently been impossible to secure a full cargo from Australia. Some ships have been detained for two months in order to get a complete cargo. The differential scale on wool, tallow, copra, and other goods was worked out on a basis representing more or less the value of the space and the cost of handling. It is not to the shipowners’ advantage to impose charges which would handicap merchants in competition in the world’s markets. .The owners recognise that only a fair margin of profit is compatible with the interests of either themselves or the shippers, but shipowners must not be expected to run their vessels on a basis which represents the exchange of two half-pennies for a penny or perhaps a dead loss.