FREIGHT RATES

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 92, 12 January 1929, Page 9

FREIGHT RATES

EXTRAORDINARY POSITION DETAILS OF INCREASES NOT TO BE PUBLISHED SHIPPERS BEWILDERED (United Press Association, —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) London, January 10. An extraordinary position has arisen owing to the decision of the Australian Merchants’ Committee advising against the publication of the details of the increases in freights to Australia. No reason has been given for this beyond the fact that it might cause misapprehension in Australia in the absence of the full text. The shipowners have no objection of any kind.

It was stated earlier that full details would be available as soon as prepared, but the Merchants’ Committee at the last minute said it believed that publication woulft not be desirable.

Shippers to Australia are perplexed and bewildered at the complicated position which has ensued. One result is that shippers are compelled to make inquiries regarding everything they are shipping, consequently orders are being held up until information is gained. The present position can only be described as absurd time-wasting. No official announcement regarding the freight increases will be made, but inquiry among shippers shows that the following are among the principal alterations. Rough measurement has been raised from 755. to 85s. per ton; fine, 100 s. to 110 s.; lower classes of measurement. 60s. to 655. and 70s. Steel and iron remain unaltered, but other weight rates have been raised from 40s. to 425. 6d. and 455., The following remain unalterecl; —Motor-cars, agricultural implements, wire-netting, newsprint, cement in casks, and also a number of other minor commodities.

LABOUR LEADER’S COMMENT (Rec. January 11, 11.35 p.m.) Melbourne, January 11. Mr. Scullin, Federal Labour leader, commenting on the pending increase in overseas shipping freights, said the increase would be 10 per cent., which was not unexpected following the sale of the Commonwealth Line steamers.