POSTAL REVENUE

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 96, 24 April 1931, Page 10

POSTAL REVENUE

SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE

LOSS MADE ON PARCELS

An announcement that increased postal charges had resulted in a substantial increase in revenue was made in the House of Kepresentatives last ■uight by the Posimaster-Gyncral (the Hon. J. B. Donald), in reply to questions raised during the Committee stage of the Finance Bill No. 2. He also stated that the Department did not mind losing some of the parcel trade, as parcels in many cases were being transmitted at a loss. Mr. F. Waito (Keform, Clutlia) asked how the P. and T. Department revenue was holding up. It was rumoured, he said, that the twopenny postage increase was a failure, and that the Post-master-General had decided that as from Ist May the postage rate would be reduced to lid. Mr. H. M. Campbell (Eeform, Hawkes Bay) said that he had been told that the result of the increased postal charges had been most disappointing, and he asked whether the House could be given some information on the subject. The Postmaster-General (the Hon. J. B. Donald) said that there had been a considerable increase in revenue as the result of the increased charges. He did not yet have the- exact figures, but would announce them in a! few days' time. There had been complaints that the Department was losing parcel trade, but the Department lost money on parcels, and did not mind them going elsewhere. The Department also lost money on the carriage of films, and the film companies, as they had done- in the past, were using the Post Office only when it was the most suitable way for them to transport their goods. DISTURBING STATEMENT. Mr.'A. E. Ansell (Reform, Chalmers) deplored the Postmaster-General's statement that he did not regret the loss of parcels. If the Department was prepared to lose business to motor transport, the time would come when it wouia regret that transfer. The Minister's statement was disturbing. Surprise at the statement was also expressed by Mr. H. S. S. Kyle_(Beform, Eiccarton), who urged the Minister to state what extra revenue was being derived as the result of the increase in postage rates! Mr. A. Harris (Beform, Waitemata) sought information as to the position of the telegraph revenue. Mr. Donald said he had not got the detailed figures. They wouia not be complete for a day or two.