FREIGHTS ON IMPORTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 139, 14 June 1934, Page 4

FREIGHTS ON IMPORTS.

REDUCTIONS REQUESTED. The case submitted by the New Zealand Importers' Federation requesting a reduction in freight rates from the United I Kingdom to New Zealand has been forwarded to the Imperial Shipping Committee, London. Officially associated with the New Zealand Importers' Federation in this request are the following organisations: The Associated Chambers _of Commerce of New Zealand, the United Kingdom Manuiacturers' and New Zealand Representatives" Association (Inc.). and the Sew Zealand Federation of Drapers, Clotlilere, and Boot Retailers. Apart from the above organisations, it is pointed out by the Importers' Federation that every importer in New Zealand, and exporters from the United Kingdom, must be interested ill the question, and naturally support any move to reduce the cost of landing goods on the New Zealand market. Exporters from New Zealand must also be interested, as any increase of importations means that exports do not have to bear an high a proportion of the round voyage freight as they do at present. The New Zealand Government must also be interested at least to the extent that any increase of importations must relieve the accumulation of surplus exchange in London, for which the Government has undertaken to indemnify the banks. It is felt that in view of the all-round reduction which has taken place in the prices of commodities, the time is opportune for some reduction to be made in the freight rates, United Kingdom to New Zealand. It is realised that at present ships are coming out to New Zealand in ballast, but it is believed that a reduction in freight rates would result in an increase in importations, more than offsetting any reductions in rates. Particular attention is drawn to the fact that while reductions have been made on the rates. New Zealand to United Kingdom, no major reductions have been made since 1025 on rates United Kingdom to New Zealand, and also to the difference between the latter and the rates United Kingdom to Australia. . '.'Realieiuß the difficulties under wnicn shipping companies are working at the present time, states the federation, we suggest that some reduction may be made in the working costs of their ships by reducing, if possible, the number of loading ports round the New Zealand coast. Any reduction in costs we realise would help towards the desired end of a reduction in freight rates. . . . This federation appreciates that in suggesting such a course a big question is opened up, but it appears that the time is overdue when the problem should be tackled.!'