SHIPPING FREIGHTS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3047, 7 April 1917, Page 12

SHIPPING FREIGHTS

i AN INCREASE FORECASTED. By Telegraph—Press Association. : Dunedin, April,s.: It is understood that the schedule of intcicoionial and 'coastal freights will, be adjustbd in a week cr two, this adjustment being the second increase in freight charges ■'since, t'le, outbreak of war. Over a year 'a<«i. an increase of ss. a ton was made in the intercolonial freights, while the coastal freights were raised by 2s. Gd. It was'pointed out on that.occasion that wages throughout the 'whole'shipping services had been considerably increased, while tho working charges respecting coal-and all stores had been abnormally augmented owing to war conditions; ' Since then wages- have further increased, while other charges have been, similarly affected'to a heavier degree than beforei..;. For these'reasons the present freights will certainly be increased, probably to a similar extent as: last year respecting intercolonial and coastal services, with slightly heavier impost regarding general coastal' produce; Fares will not be increased.

No statement has yet been made' locally by the shipping compauies with regard'to..the increase in freights that is said to be imminent. The last increase, which was made "-. rather more than a year ago, is' said to liave. been absorbed by increased wages, and the funeral .rise in working expenses, particularly in respect to fuel. It is understood that the additional to the. intercolonial, freights will' not be less than ss. a ton. ■ '