REMARK RESENTED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 103, 12 February 1936, Page 6

REMARK RESENTED

NO MONOPOLY BY CARRIERS. THE FIXATION OF CHARGES. MERELY A LEVELLING PROCESS. Criticism concerning remarks made at tlio last-meeting of the Ashburton County Council about the price schedule drawn up by carriers, was expressed at a meeting of the Ashburton Comity Carriers’ Association last evening, when Mr R. Burnett presided. A motion was carried to the efFectthat the carriers resented the remarks at the Council meeting about the creation of a monopoly for a section of the carriers, and Avished to point out that the fixation rates Avas to meet the advance in Avages, and in reality was not an increase in rates but merely a levelling process bringing the rates into line. Where apparently large increases seemed to he asked for Avas only in instances Avhere the farmer had reaped the benefit of intense competition at unpayable rates, Avhicli Avere unjustified and Avhich the carriers were endeavouring to eliminate. Members stated that in many instances they had been complimented on the fixation of rates by tlieir clients. The executive reported that it had! met the president of the Drivers’ Union regarding the operation of the drivers’ award, and three alternatives Avere proposed: The arvard in its present form, £4 5s 6d a week plus overtime, or a flat rate of 2s an hour. It was decided to adopt the 2s ail hour rate as being most suitable.