FARMERS COMPLAIN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 207, 1 September 1932, Page 4

FARMERS COMPLAIN.

EXCESSIVE FREIGHT CHARGES,

"CANNOT BE PAID."

(By Telegraph.—Special to " Star.") INVERCARGILL, this day. The high charges involved in the export of New Zealand meat to the London market were deplored in the course of a discussion at the monthly meeting of the Southland Provincial Executive of the New Zealand Farmers' Union. Several members quoted examples of the charges on consignments shipped Home, and declared that the industry was facing bankruptcy.

Mr. E. K. Sim said he had received figures of account sales of a consignment o£ 63 sheep, including 36 ewes shipped to London by a Southland fawner. The net return to the consignor was 2/5 per head, equal to .54d per lb. The total charges amounted to 10/9 .per head, including 4/ freight and 3/6 freezing charges. The firm which handled the business received 4/1 commission and 3d per head for drafting. The , α-eturn from the skins was not included in this. This position epelt bankruptcy for the farmers if it was allowed to continue. At the last meeting a remit had been brought forward asking for the abolition of the Meat Board, but the speaker averred that there would be no justification for passing such a .remit. Charges should be reduced, but credit should be given to the board for the reductions effected.

Mr Walter Clark said that returns which he had received for his own* shipments revealed a shocking position. He considered that it was scandalous that the board was not looking after the business of the producers better. He saidtnat the levy of from £40,000 to £50,000 to maintan the board was merely throwing good money after bad. He had dapped 761 wethers to the London market, and the charges had totalled 13/6 per head, which was a figure that could not be paid at present-day prices.