SHIP FREIGHT INCREASES

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28399, 4 October 1957, Page 14

SHIP FREIGHT INCREASES

“Consultation With N.Z. Interests”

The Associated Chambers of Commerce executive is concerned at the recent increase in shipping freights between New Zealand and Britain and will propose to the New Zealand conference Shipping Lines that when future increases are being considered New Zealand interests should be consulted. A report of the decisions made by the executive on September 20 was presented to the council of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce last evening. The report said: “The New Zealand Conference Shipping Lines will be informed that importing and other interests in New Zealand are very concerned with the recent 13 per cent, increase in freight rates from Britain to New Zealand, and the method of its application. “The lines will be further informed that the suggestion is being made in some quarters that legislation is being contemplated to require that New Zealand interests are consulted before any further increases are made. "Although Associated Chambers would be loath to be associated with such steps against private enterprise, a request will be made that the importer in New Zealand, who has to meet the impact of freight rates, be consulted when rates are again under consideration," the report said.