NEW FREIGHT RATES.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 11 January 1929, Page 9

NEW FREIGHT RATES.

INCREASES NOT DISCLOSED

AUSTRALIAN SHIPPERS INCONVENIENCED.

United Press Association—By Electric telegraph

Copyright.) (Australian Press Association.) Received 11.30 a.m. to-day. LONDON, Jan. 10

An extraordinary position has arisen owing to> the decision of the Australian Merchants’ Committee advising against the publication of details of the increases of freights to Australia. No reason has been given therefore beyond the fact that it might cause apprehension in Australia in the absence, of the full text. Shipowners, on the other hand, have no objection of any kind. It was stated earlier that full details would be available as soon as they were prepared, but the. merchants committee, at the 1 last minute, expressed the opinion that publication was undesirable. Shippers to Australia are perplexed and bewildered by the complicated position which ensued. One' result is that shippers are compelled to make inquiries regarding everything they are shipping, and consequently orders are being held up until the information is gained. The present position can only he described as absurd and a waste of time.

SOME INCREASES DISCLOSED,

Received 1.55 p.m. to-day. LONDON, Jam. 10

No official announcement of .the freight increases will be made, but am. inquiry among shippers shows that the following aro among the principal alterations: Rough measurement is raised from 75s to 85s per tom, fine from 100 s to 110 s; lower classes of measurement from 00s to 05s and 70s. Steel and iron' remain unaltered, but other weight rates have been raised from 40s to 42s i Od. and 455. The following remain unaltered: Motor cars, agricultural implements, wire netting, newsprint, cement ini casks, also a number of other minor commodities.