Chathams freight rise cut to 20 p.c.

Press, 6 November 1984, Page 7

Chathams freight rise cut to 20 p.c.

By

OLIVER RIDDELL

in Wellington The Government has cut the freight increase to the Chatham Islands from the 35 per cent announced in May to 20 per cent. The burden imposed on the Chatham Islands, had to be eased said the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr Tapsell. The 35 per cent increase would be reduced to 20. per cent, dating from May 20, when the 35 per cent increase had beeh imposed by the previous Government. He said that this move would allow anyone who had shipped goods at the higher rate to get a refund of the difference between the two rates. Claims for the refund should be made to Union Maritime Services, Ltd, at Lyttelton giving the voyage number, the date of its sailing, and the number of the bill of lading. “We have also recognised the urgent need to bring the economy of the Chatham Islands into equilibrium, and have made a once-only grant of $lOO,OOO to help the

Chatham Islands County Council clear its large overdraft Mr Tapsell said. An in-depth social and economic study will be done of the Chathams as well.

But Mr Tapsell said that this should not be seen as "suddenly sacrificing the welfare of the Islanders.” An announcement on the details of the study would be made soon.