RAILWAY CHARGES.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16212, 15 May 1918, Page 8

RAILWAY CHARGES.

HARBOUR. BOARD'S' COMPLAINT,

(press association telegram.)

WJiJjLIINGrDiN, iVlay 14. A deputation representing Haxbour Boards and allied interests waited upon tne Actiug-Jfrnne Minister and Minister of Railways to-day, regarding -certain railway charges considered to bear unjustly upon smaJier ports. A sorting charge of about Is 10a per ton Jias been imposed upon goods landed at ports where the Railway Department has control, and this charge is considered unduly high.

Sir James Allen said the matter concerned the Railway Department, and assured the deputation that the Cabinet would readily assist to remedy any real grievance. —

The Hon W. H. Herries, in reply, said figures collected for Wanganui showed that the sorting cost 23d per ton. The actual charge made was Is 6d, plus two additions of 10 per cent. Tho first 10 per cent, was a war tfrx, the money being needed for national purposes. Tho second 10 per cent, was to provide money for the extra war pay to railwaymen, amounting to about £350,000 per year. The Minister suggested that some points raised should be discussed with tne lieneral Manager of Railway; In the course of further discussion, Mr Herries said the Railway Department had no wish to Sdntrol wharves at all. The duty had been forced upon it, and if harbour boards would take full control they could do so.