NEW RAILWAY TARIFF.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 189, 12 August 1925, Page 7

NEW RAILWAY TARIFF.

BOARD'S REVISED PROPOSALS.

COAL RATES ADJUSTED.

3IEAT CONCESSIONS EXTENDED.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON", this day. The new railway tariff as revised since the board's proposals were first submitted, has been finally approved. Adjustments include increase in rates on native soft coals and livestock, and a new rate for road metal used on routes competing with the railway. The concession' hitherto allowed only on prime beef is extended to cover all beef for export, but rates on frozen mutton, lamb and pork are retained at practically their old level. Commenting on the new railway tariff, the Prime Minister pointed out that the Department had to be placed on a business footing. The Commission had shown that there was no margin for reduction in rates unless by so doing more traffic could be secured owing to the rise in interest. Increases in superannuation and other estimated additional charges, £650,000, were required for the current year. With regard to coal, he said, the discussion centred largely round New Zealand soft coals. Owners recognised that the Department was entitled to reasonable remuneration, and agreed that there should be an increase spread over the whole tariff, both for long and short distances, so that at no point should the position of mines be jeopardised as to distant markets. Kates on live stock, except pigs, would be increased 7% per cent. Even then they would compare more than favourably with rates in Australia. Slight concessions were made in newspaper privilege tickets 'by allowing them to be used by newspapers publishing less often than once a week, and in rates on commercial travellers' luggage. Mr. Coates expressed ploasure at the reception given the tariff and the general admission that this difficult matter had been handled without pressing with undue harshness on the general community.