RAILWAY CHARGES.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 May 1922, Page 5

RAILWAY CHARGES.

PLEA FOR ALTERATIONS. TIMBER AND DAIRY PRODUOEJ, . ’ iZ By Telegraph.—Presa Assoefatknf.' Invercargill, Last Night. Replying to a deputation from the Chamber of Commerce to-day, Mr. & W. McVilly, general manager of railways, dealt at some length with various aspects of the department** chai’ges and methods. He said, in reply to a request for consideration of sorting charges, that the charge was not nearly sufficient to cover the cost to which the department was put. Referring to the penalty for fncorrerfly stated weights by consignment®, he said the department had to protect itself, but it was only when offenoM were frequent and deliberately coanmttted that a double charge would be imposed. Timber weights had been fisquently understated for many' yeaxv, and an inspector had to or appointed. He said the department had the matter of standard weights for bulky lines under consideration, and Wbere a satisfactory basis could be arrived el this method of charging would probably be adopted. He would be glad meet the committee to discuss the rates on dairy produce, which, if unsathstnetory to companies, were also to him. The regulations . were framed many years ago and the rates fixed at extremely low figures, which did not cover the cost of loading and unload* ing. Referring to timber freights, ha said there was divergence between hnfldare and sawmillers regarding the riMMgtP on Imported and local timbers. policy of the department had been €• encourage local industry, and an had been made to reduce the on hardwood to the same as on local timber, but it had been resisted.