SHIPPING STOCK

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31142, 19 August 1966, Page 12

SHIPPING STOCK

RatesToN.l. Higher

Freight cartage companies have announced rates for the transport of livestock between the North and South Islands on the roll-on interisland steamers. The rates, which show a rise in the cost of shipping horses compared with shipping in conventional vessels, come into force next Monday. The Union Steam Ship Company announced rates for the carriage of livestock vehicles and trailers on the roll-on ferries several weeks ago, these rates being on a square feet basis. Livestock vehicles are carried at a cheaper rate than other cargo vehicles: 6s 3d a square foot, compared with 8s 6d. The freight cartage companies have announced that the cost of transporting a racehorse from stables in Christchurch to stables at Trentham or Hutt Park will be £2O 15s, or £4l 10s return, with fares for trainer or strapper extra. These rates include an increase of about £9 on conventional vessel rates. For a minimum load of 15 sheep or pigs the rate will be 24s a head, and for cattle the rate will be £l6 a head. Rates for calves and yearlings will be by arrangement. Rates for horses could vary, particularly when a full load leaves for a race meeting, but fewer animals return. In such cases a smaller vehicle will be used if possible to keep the rate a head the same.

Using the roll-on ferries the trip will take about 14 hours and it will be possible to load much later than in the past.