WHARFAGE CHARGES FOR FERTILISER

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27912, 8 March 1956, Page 7

WHARFAGE CHARGES FOR FERTILISER

PROTEST BY IMPORTERS REJECTED A request for an immediate review of port charges levied by the Lyttelton Harbour Board on imports of artificial fertilisers and raw materials was rejected by the board at its meeting yesterday. The board’s decision to take no action in lowering its wharfage rates and harbour improvement rates was made after consideration of a letter from Kempthorne, Prosser and Company. Hornby. “We view with great concern the increased charges levied,” said the works business manager (Mr G A Claridge) in the letter. “The increase for rock phosphate and sulphur is no less than 2s 7d a ton (Is 4d wharfage and Is 3d harbour improvement rate), equivalent to 79.7 per cent., and this material is now included in the same rates as general cargo, which has been increased by 37.2 per cent.” Mr Claridge said that, if the price of fertiliser was kept ‘‘at a reasonable margin,” farmers would be encouraged to use it to increase production which would ultimately bring additional revenue to the board in the form of export charges.

Other boards controlling ports .which handled fertiliser had “recognised the major significance of fertiliser industry by allowing concession rates.” he said. Lyttelton charges should be brought into line with charges at other ports. Mr C. W. Tyler commented: “Federated Farmers said they were pre-

pared to do their share. This will revert to the farmers mostly. They have-been riding on the back of the general cargo for long enough.”