Competitive Freight

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 218, 10 June 1933, Page 13

Competitive Freight

Sir, —I have read with interest the lengthy letter addressed to you and signed “Lester Border.” This is certainly a very clever and witty letter, but to my mind it completely ignores one of the most salient features of the offer by the Blue Star Line. I refer to the fact that thfi’ company definitely promises a substantial reduction in the freight rates both inward and outward between here and the Old Country.

The people behind the Blue Star Line and their reasons for coming to this country are surely beside the point. The main thing is that by the introduction of competition they enable us, as members of the New Zealand community, to _ enjoy lower freight rates. The farmer, in particular, benefits by seeing his produce, wool and meat, go Home at lower rates than in tbe past. The only damage that this new company can do is to cut down some of the profits of the present conference lines, and surely that is not our worry. Your correspondent in his concluding paragraph states that when tiie present ships are no longer in operation, tiie Blue Star Line will be able to put tbe freights up to a new high level. This is. of course, only surmise and very much, in doubt. As I read it, the Bine Star Line only wisli to secure sufficient contracts to operate one ship per month, and this can hardly interfere with the operations of the present shipping companies to any great extent, particularly in view of the fact that they are contemplating chartering vessels themselves to handle the increasing export trade of the Dominion. At the end of the contracts (which will shortly bo allotted) all the companies will still be in operation, and the competition element will once again ho raised, so that there will be no fear of rates going back to a new high level as indicated by your correspondent. I am iiorsonnlly not an interested party. but I like to see fair play, and I am mentioning those matters so that your readers will see that there nre two sides to this interesting question.—l am. etc.. “FAIRMTNDED.” Wellington, Juno S.