THE OPINION IN WELLINGTON.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 12477, 12 April 1906, Page 8

THE OPINION IN WELLINGTON.

(SPECIAIi TO "THR rBKSS."> WELLINGTON April 11. Following tho announcement made yesterday afternoon, that the Federalline had definitely decided on a war of freights with t-ho rival companies concerned in the trouble, which has boon so much talked of, tho atmosphere has once more been allowed to clear, and quiescence now reigns supreme. Tho Federal Company is quietly waiting for the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company (which includes the White Star steamers) and tho New Zealand Shipping Company to declare themselves. So far, however, neither of the companies mentioned hae exhibited any desire to take tho public into its oonfidence. No matter what tho ultimate result may be, they appear to bo assured of a certain amount of our export trade, and, in the meantime, are carefully considering how best they can protect end conserve their position in the colony's trade, which they say they are justly entitled to. It is pretty safe to assume that counter reductions in freight charges and passenger fares will be made, but as to when, and on what scale these will take place, is not at present ascertainablo.

Tho Federal Company's reduced scalo of charges takfes effect immediately, end the new service to London will commence with the steamer following the Essex. It is understood that the freights will not be advertised by the Federal Company, eaoh chipper being dealt with as he desires to ship. Should it be necessary to cut rates to eecuro a fair share of the' export trado tho Federal Company is prepared to do the necessary cutting. Apparently the shipper ie. to understand that if he wishee for the most favourable ratce for freights he will get them on application to tho Federal Company's agent. The New Zealand and African Steam-. 6hip Company, Wellington, are the New Zealand managers of the West of England service, and Messrs Tnrnbull, Martin and Company are the New Zealand managers for the Associated London Line. Theee two firms will be joint managers of the new London and West Coast service.

A "Post" reporter made a round of enquiries amongst large exnortere of butter and ' frozen meat and ascertained that -whatever developments take place, the interests of the producer are -well conserved. Those engaged in the dairy industry know exactly where they stand, and farmers connected with the frozen meat trade seem to be in a cafe. position. Mr D. Sladden (of the Welliiwrtcw Meat Export Company) stated thit exporters were protected whatever happened. The " New Zealand Times" thinks that the time has arrived when a Royal Commission should be appointed to enquire into tho whole matter. DUNEDIN NOTES. (SriCIAL TO "THE TRESS.") DUNEDIN April 11. No further official information is obtainable yet in x-eepect to the freight war. A gentleman prominently connected with shipping, on being seen, said if the great reductions in freights did represent anything more than the compnr>v'e agents had already been offeri \ it was strange that tho annouueeraent should have been made at the present time, seeing that it was reported that two of its vessels, tho Essex and the Dorset, shortly to bo placed on the loading berth, -were assured of full cargoes at nominally current rates, which will presumably have to be sacrificed now for the, reduced rates. In reply to questions respecting the probable action of the lines with which the Federal Company is competing, opinion is expressed that so long as they could fill their steamens at full rates theeo companies would probably continue to do co. With reference to the announcement of a reduction in passenger fares tho comment which was made was that tho eteamers at present running in the interests of the Federal Company have only a limited amount of saloon accommodation, and that if it is proposed to cater for first-clae* passengers on these vessels, it will be necessary for tho company to make provision of various kinds not offered in existing circumstances.

The "Star says tFafc ■thpro is not much doubt as to what the first *hot fired by the dirrofc lines will be. will attack the West of En.<*l*.nd trade as soon as they fix up their London arrangements suflficientlv to p-irnijifc of their doing so. When that will har>r>p*i they are not T>reD!»red to mv but both side** expect that the fi<rM will Heein in earnest about tho middle of M*y, or perhaps a little I,*+<*r. Th*» Dr>r<*?t, which will be the Federal Comnany's iWmtoh for London "nd the Wc=t'nf EiwKn.rf will, therefore, leave right m rti* thick of it.

Sine? the o"°n declaration of war, as ■piido by th« Fod.er-'I it Ftvma thnt a jinmber of permit* tfri fp.ized with a violent- io L^nAnn. RTld fl TIITTr'KpT of nnHip-Hrtns for berths were made OiT*«+;n"^ WS TIO (i l>l"ff"- H-V-nri <1,;» Tl-irf o>f ■f.'^p frr>'f»Vt<; w-uW b'lt I"* f*r iTipT f,.-r? CToftino' c»rcro f «"-r nt rales mixius a few re-

On the oth<»r hwA ih* rpr*-^-■'■•>----\\\t Wdernl Cnmot-Tiv har<* <vi':?»lv o'ittin.<r rates f'"- sotno tim*» b^ok—for six ireeks ai all events. A case was

known in which thoy had quoted tallow at 5s per ton cheaper than Mie direct, steamers. In' tha matter of wool, also, come of their clients liad mentioned that cheaper mUts cculd bo got from the Federal Company, but these matters had net so far affected the quantity of cargo offerins: for the Shaw, Savill, New Zealand Shipping Company or Tyser steamers. For tho last tliree months, at least, every ono of them had gono Homo full. .Talking of another aspect cf the matter, a gentleman connected with the direct said. "Whatever th© freights may be. we are offering what tho Federal Company have not so far been able to offer—a quick and regular transit to the Old Country. Look at the prices which New Zealand wool brought at the March* silos. Every commodity which New Zealand eisports Ls Belli n<; high at Home just now. Consequently a few shillings one way or the oth<-r in the ma.ttr.r of freights is not a thing that touches tin? nrcduoer in a vitnl soot. Whn.V he docs want* and must haw. is onrck transport to favourable markets."