Mr Seddon and the Shapping.

Otago Witness, Issue 2362, 1 June 1899, Page 10

Mr Seddon and the Shapping.

Companies. TO THE EDITOR.

Sib, — In your issue of 20th insfc. the Hull. Mr Seddon is reported as having made the following statement at Wanganui on the 18th inst. : —

" The Government made inquiries of the shipping companies, and had received answers from every company bar one, the New Zealand Shipping Company, and they hedged by not replying at all. The replies as to the freights were that they would be 37s 6d for oata, 35s for wheat, and 10 per cenl. primage. Tho Government had, however, gone outside tho bounds of the colony, and had arranged much better terms with tbo Tyser line— 32s 6d for wheat, 30s for oats, and a primage of 5 per cent. And the arrangement was not likely to cost the country anything, as the farmers had co-operated with the Government in placing cargoes with this line, while the only concession made by the Government waa to give the company the preference of Government freights." As the ' above statement is absolutely incorrect so far as the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company (Limited) is concerned, I now annex copies of the telegrams that passed between the Government and myself on the subject, from which it will be seen that I indicated 30s as the probable rate of freight per sailers. As a matter of fact, the rates were fixed by the shipping companies at 27s 6d for sailers, and 32s 6d for steamers, and were so advertised on 24-th March, pome time before it became known that the Government had vtny intention of bestowing their favours"" on tho Tyser line. — I am, etc., Wit. Hendeeson.

Invercargill, February 20, 1899. To Manager Shaw, Savill, Shipping Company, Dunedin. In consequence of the abundant harvest and large crops throughout New Zealand, to be able to find a market for it, a large portion of it must necessarily be shipped. Taking into consideration the low price ruling in the markets of the world, the Government are anxious in the interests of the producers of the colony to ascertain what is the probable rate of freight your company will charge for the carriage of wheat and oats to London, and also the available tonnage that you estimate you will be able to supply during the season. I am asking for similar information from the ' other shipping companies. An early reply will oblige.-- Reply paid".

John M'Kenzie, Minister for Agriculture.

v Dunedin, February 20, 1899. To Hon. J. M'Kenzie, Minister for Agriculture,

Wellington.

There is every appearance of ample steam tonnage for grain. Am leaving for Timaru today, reaching Christchurch Wednesday, will consult with co-advisers, and reply definitely. Wir. Hendeesok.

Christchurch, February 23, 1899. To Hon. John M'Kenzie, Minister for Agriculture, Wellington. Owing to shrinkage of wool for sailers' at all ports this season, several Shaw, Savill vessels brought to New Zealand at considerable losa on market rates are available 'for grain at current rates; probably basis 30s wheat. If Government contemplate assisting shippers 'by tonnage contributions we shall be ilad to faoilitatc by "removal of vessels to porra where early despatch can be assured. We also anticipate considerable steamer space for grain will ho available throughout the season contingent on, wool and other produce shipments. Wm. Hendeb«?ojs-.

A carter at Coromandel was prosecuted lasfc *eek for having worked his team of horses in carting chaff on a Sunday. The Bench dismissed the case" on the ground that the work had to be done to prevent the chafi from (.noiling*

In acknoAvledging the good wishes expressed by Mr Harden, on behalf of the bar, at Westport, Mr Stratford, warden and S.M., mentioned that he had recommended the GoA-ern-cient to appoint a third warden for the Went Coast. He spoke highly of Mr HaAvkins, Ms Successor.

The State of Bahia, Brazil, is said to be-the sole seat of the carbon industry. The carbons have been found for years ; but there has been no market until the commencement of the present decade, when, on account of their hardness, they were sought by makers of sosailed diamond drills.