STEAMSHIP RATE WAR

Evening Star, Issue 14414, 9 July 1910, Page 5

STEAMSHIP RATE WAR

BIG. OUT IN AUSTRALIAN FARES. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. "SYDNEY, July 8. Following yesterday's cablegram regarding the cutting of passage rates, the North German Lloyd Company announce reductions commencing on October 8. The first class fares to London will bo reduced to • £66 single and £99 return; second class, £3B 10s single and £57 15s return. The old first class rates ranged from £7l 10s 'to £BO 10s single and £123 return. Tho old second class single rates ranged from £4l 16s to £46 4s. The third class rates remain unaltered. Herr Heinekin, managing director of tho North German Lloyd Company, says that tho Orient Company, owing to a State subvention, are able to put more modem vessels on and capture the passenger trade. In the North Atlantic trade Hie shipping companies were allowed to charge different rates according to tho speed and comfort of the vessels. His company wanted only fair treatment, and they considered it only fair that the English companies should allow the differentiation in rates between Europe and Australia which was allowed between Europe and America. There was nothing in the agreement between the shipping companies to prevent an undercutting of rates. Tho local representatives of the Orient and Peninsular Companies state that they have received no information on the matter from headquarters. (Received July 9, at 9.15 a.ra.)

Herr Heinekin says that his company have no intention of cutting rates beyond tho limit of what is fair.

[Neill and Co., local agents for tho North German Lloyd Company, have received telegraphic advice confirming the reported reduction in passenger rates. The new rates come into force in October, commencing with the Scharnhorst.]