SHIPPING FREIGHTS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 93, 14 January 1929, Page 9

SHIPPING FREIGHTS

ADDITIONAL INCREASES ; , f REASONS FOR OMITTING IRON AND STEEL (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) London, January 11. The following are additional increases in shipping freights :—Paper not otherwise enumerated, in bales, reels, and rolls, 555. to 625. Gd.; in cases, 90s. to 100 s.; flat, in cages, 555. to 705.; wrapping, in cases, 755. to 80s.; bales. 555. to Gss. Shipowners conferred at length with representatives of the Paper Makers’ Association before fixing the freights. A representative of the Australian Press Association, in a discussion with members of the Australian Marchants’ Association, reveals the apparent reason for a desire that the rates should not be disclosed. There appears to be an apprehension that the Australian Tariff Board might possibly increase the duty on articles on which the freights have not been increased. It is understood that the decision to omit iron and steel from the increases was arrived at after a deal of consideration. It was pointed out that any increase would entirely nullify the recent slight reduction in British rail freights, and. furthermore, the Sydney harbour bridge contract is based on the rates prevailing when it was made. It is stated that these considerations were strongly advanced. There is a feeling among big shippers that very early advantage has been taken of the withdrawal of competition by the Commonwealth Line to impose a wholesale increase on all measurement freights. On the other side shipowners stress that even had the Commonwealth Line still been in existence conditions would have demanded the present increase. Shipowners are endeavouring to acquaint shippers witli the new schedule without delay, but in the meantime delay is bound to continue in individual cases.