RAILAGE ON BROWN COAL.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20088, 18 November 1930, Page 15

RAILAGE ON BROWN COAL.

MINISTER TO CONFER WITH COLLIERY. OWNERS. (mass association tklscmuv-) "WELLINGTON, November 17. With the objects of coming to j an equitable arrangement concern- i ing the incidence of higher rates | to be imposed for the carriage of New Zealand brown coal, the Minister for Railways will meet the coal-owners to-morrow. Higher J rates were recommended by the Rail- j ways Commission, and although they were not put into effect as from Sunday, when other increases came into force, the Minister has decided that they shall operate. The object of tomorrow's conference will be to arrange the incidence of the increases so as to place as light an additional burden as possible upon the industry. According to the Commission's report, it i« estimated that the increased revenue from this source will amount to £65,000 a year. Several important recommendations made by tho Commission for increases in goods rates are still being considered by the Minister. One of the most important of the outstanding rprnm nt inns relating to goods tariffs is that for an increase ot freight on two separate classes of artificial manures. By increasing the freight on them it is hoped to produce £91,000 in additional revenue. There is also the question nf th»> upon rrvad metnl for use by local bodies, an increase in which is estimated by the Commission to bring in an additional £29,000.