APOLOGY ASKED FOR

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 210, 2 June 1936, Page 11

APOLOGY ASKED FOR

Comments by Wanganui Chamber of Commerce RAILWAY DEPARTMENT’S COMMERCIAL METHODS Dominion Special Service. Wanganui, June 1. As tilt outcome or comments made by tiie president, Mr. A. S. Burgess, and other members at a recent meeting of the Wanganui Chamber of Commerce to Mr. A- J. Pritchard, acting district traffic manager at Wanganui, deprecating the Railway Department s commercial methods, a letter was read from the department to-night asking foi an apology. -The matter was fully discussed, and it was decided to reply suggesting that the department should make further inquiries into the position before taking the extreme step of withdrawing its representation in the chamber. The department’s letter stated that no representative would be present at the quarterly meeting, and in connection with the comments regarding freight rates applicable to the department made by the president of the chamber, Mr. Pritchard stated that he had been instructed by the General Manager in Wellington to advise that until such time as an apology was forthcoming the department would not be represented at meetings. "I don’t think an apology is necessary,” said the president. “If they think fit to refrain from attending our meetings, then it can’t be helped. I still think their practice of giving a low rate of freight to one firm without extending it to others is a commercial immorality. It would not be tolerated by a private firm. If they want to come to our meetings, then they are welcome, but not by an apology from this chamber.” Sbmo discussion ensued as .to whether the chairman was doing the right thing in just receiving the letter. The suggestion was made that the matter be reopened for amicable negotiations to have the department represented in the chamber. “If the railways had their way they’d strangle trade in Wanganui” said Mr. Burgess. "The general merchandise man is being absolutely persecuted.” This remark led to a further discussion, opinions being expressed that the chamber was wrong in the first [dace not to have put the matter before the General Manager instead of before a subordinate officer. It was suggested thab the matter be discussed when the General Manager visited Wanganui. “I know what Mr. Mackley will do, said Mr. Burgess. “He’ll ask for an apology straight away. Then the chamber will stultify itself ,as well ns lay itself open to nasty replies, which will continue the quarrel. The department's grievance is that we made their methods public. Wanganui has been treated very shabily indeed.” After further discussion on how’ best to bring about a reconciliation, it. was decided: "That we, the Wanganui Chamber of Commerce, representing the business men of Wanganui, feel we have a legitimate grievance against the Railways Department as far as freights are concerned, and are surprised at the attitude of the departmetn ami feel that further inquiries should be made by the department.”