POSTAL CHARGES

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 71, 25 March 1931, Page 11

POSTAL CHARGES

INCREASED RATES

OPPOSED BY BUSINESS MEN

A committee of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, reporting at a meeting of the council of the chamber last evening oil the increased postal charges, stated that iff was "inclined to view that some of iho increases (many of them 100 per cent, on the old rates) would largely defeat_ the aim for revenues by way of additional receipts, especially in local areas, wherever it is possible to cfEoct delivery by messenger. This course had already been taken by many business firms, and it was fait that the Government, bofpve putting into operation such, proposals, could with advantage have consulted chambers of commerce, when valuable advice would have been available as to the prospects of additional rovenuo being obtained. "The Canterbury Chamber of Commerce has already considered the increases in rates and favours concession where mail matter can be delivered from the office of posting, and with, this suggestion your committee is in agreement, and submits to the council the following'resolution which was adopted by the committee: That the large increase in postal rates (in some cases 100 per cent.) is likely to defeat the object aimed at for greater revenues 10 meet the deficit in the national accounts, and this committee recommends that support be given the suggestion that' Has met with approval by the Canterbury Chamber, viz., that for mail matter to be delivered from the office of posting the following rates be urged upon the Government: (a) First-class matter (letters), a rate of Id per oz; (b) second-class matter (e.g., invoices, notices, circulars), a rate of |d for the first 20z."

In moving the adoption of the report, Mr. M. Heinemann said that a number of business firms were now delivering some of their local mail. He was of opinion that in a matter which seriously affected the business community tho Government might with advantage have consulted chambers of commerce.

Mj. W. Simm said it seemed to him that under the circumstances some advance in rates was necessary'to. obtain revenue. The increase in packet postage was seriously affecting the printing trade.

Mr; J. Curtis thought there might be something bohind the Government's action in regard to parcels—possibly a desire to relieve the Department of providing more accommodation for the increased business, of this branch of the Post Office.

The report of the committee was adopted.