RISE IN FREIGHTS.

Grey River Argus, 22 July 1926, Page 5

RISE IN FREIGHTS.

On Timber Cargoes. N.S.W. MILLERS HARD HIT. SYDNEY, July 21. ' In addition to the Union Company, other Lines engaged in the carriage of timber from. New South Wales ports to New Zealand intend to increase the rates similarly on timber cargoes. The Union Coy’s increase on shipments to New Zealand will be 13 1-3 per cent., dating from August 1, amounting to an average of about 4s per 100 superficial feet. New South Wales sawmilLers state that this will be a deathblow to the export of timber to New Zealand. The reason for the increase is the higher cost of coal, increased ship repairing charges, additional costs brought about by the Workers’ Compensation Act and the increase of 25 per cent, just announced in towage charges. Nearly all the timber exported from Now South Wales goes to New Zealand. Owing to the Compensation Act, the timber industry in New South Wales is practically at a standstill. So far, fifty-eight mills Have closed down. The remaining few mills are continuing until the logs which have been brought in arc cleared away. Then it is stated that th'ese mills also will be forced to close.