CARRIAGE OF FROZEN MEAT.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13743, 26 May 1910, Page 7

CARRIAGE OF FROZEN MEAT.

REPORTED INCREASE OF RATES

TTnitod Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.

MELBOURNE, May 25. Tho shipping agents have decided to ittcreaso tho freight rates on frozen moat to nye-eighths of a penny per pound from August. (PKESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) WELLINGTON, May 25. It is not considered probable by local shipping authorities that the decision of shipping companies trading between London and Australia to increase tho freight rates on frozen meat, as reported In- cable to-day, to jj« per lb will have any effect on the rates from New Zealand. In Australia the freight rates are largely determined by supply and demand, and at tho present time there is a material shortage of tonnago having refrigerated cargo space, owing to tho splendid season and the abundance of meat cargo offering. Tho New Zealand rates are generally fixed at the commencement of the busy summer season, and the shipping companies make contracts with exporters on the basis of these rates. With a view, however, of inducing the freezing companies to distribute their shipments over the year, the rates are generally reduced in June at the commencement of the slack winter season, during which there is a shortage of cargo This is the only alteration contemplated locally Frooi the increase in the Australian rates it may be inferred that the shipping companies are realising the advantages; of the position.