INCREASED FREIGHTS

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29909, 24 August 1962, Page 12

INCREASED FREIGHTS

Timber Trade

Objections

(N.Z Press Association)

TAURANGA. August 23. It was remarkable that while Japanese shipowners had reduced timber freight rates, the Shipowners' Federation had increased rates. Mr H. K. Bunn, managing director of the Matakana Milling and Export Corporation, Ltd., said in Tauranga today. He was referring to the increase in freight rates for timber products granted in an interim decision published by the Price Tribunal yesterday

Mr Bunn said Japanese shipping interests had realised the position of the timber industry in New Zealand. Rather than lose the trade they had done what they could to assist it.

Freight reductions for timber products of approximately 33 per cent had been made by the Japanese. Mr Bunn said

“While the Japanese are prepared to play their part in helping the trade, the New Zealand shipowners have increased rates.” he said. Mr Bunn said the New Zealand timber industry was striving to retain its markets in Australia, but constantly increasing freight rates were making efforts to hold timber prices for exports to Australia abortive

Three years ago the freight for 100 feet of timber was 20s 9d and with the latest increase it has risen 24s 3d,” Mr Bunn said. “The shipping companies do not need these increases It is just one of the inevitable results of having a monopoly.”

Less Cargo At Wellington

(N.Z. Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Aug. 24. “The position on the Weilington waterfront does not look very bright,” said a Waterfront Industry Commission spokesman today. "Today, 231 men went home without jobs and a similar number is likely to be affected tomorrow.”

Cargo seems to be getting less and less and when ships came into port they were away again in a couple of days, said the spokesman.