SHIPPING PROBLEMS.

Gisborne Times, Volume LVI, Issue 6319, 23 February 1922, Page 2

SHIPPING PROBLEMS.

FREIGHTS AND TRANSHIPMENTS.

A COMPLAINT EXPLAINED

Further reference to the complaints which were made at the last meeting of the Chamber of Commerce in regard to the transhipments of goods from main ports, and the freight rates to Gisborne, was made yesterday by Mr T. E. Toncyeliffe. During the meeting of the Chamber, Air Toneycliffe drew comparisons between the freights charged by the Union S.S. Cov. aSd the Richardson Coy., pointing out that the former’s rate from Wellington was 42/6 a ton, compared with 39/0 charged by the Richardson line. It is now explained that this apparentdisparity is accounted for by the cost of lighterage of cargo carried by the Union Coy.’s vessels. The present lighterage charge, it was stated, is 12/6 a ton, so that the net rate charged by the Union Coy. is only 30/-. In connection with the delay in making transhipments, Air Toneycliffe explained that lie had now ascertained that the Union Coy. was not responsible for this, blit that the blame was attributable to the overseas shipping companies, ft was stated that the Shaw, Savill Coy., which had been particularly referred to previously, had a number of agents in Auckland, and none appeared to be directly concerned with the question of transhipments. As a result of this fact, the Arahura was frequently dispatched without a full cargo, as the transhipments were not available. Air Toneycliffe explained that he did. not in any way wish to cast any reflection on the local office of the Union Coy., whose staff had always done whatever was* possible to assist business people. That there is a difference in the freight rates of different companies however, from a statement contained in-the engineer’s report to the Borough Council on Tuesday evening. When it was explained that a consignment of coal had cost £IBO more than had been anticipated as a result of the Blackball Coy.’s steamers being taken over by the Union Coy. The paragraph relating to this transaction was as follows : “Clare and Clare are delivering about 400 tons of State coal ex Ngahere. This is in fulfilment of a standing order placed about two months ago, at a price of £3 8s per ton, conditional upon the Blackball Company’s own steamer coming alongside the wharf. The price has, however, been advanced to £3 17s due to the Union Coy. having taken over the Blackball with a corresponding advance in freight of 5/- per ton, and also proportionate cost of lighterage.”