FREIGHTS TO AUSTRALIA.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 12 January 1929, Page 7

FREIGHTS TO AUSTRALIA.

REASONS WHY IRON AND STEEL WERE NOT TOUCHED.

(United Press Association —By Electric; Telegraph

copyright.) (Australian Press Association.) Received 12.5 p.m. to-day. LONDON, Jan. 11

It is understood that the decision to omit iron and steel from tile freight increase to Australia was arrived at after a great deal of consideration. It was pointed out that any mcreJse would entirely nullity the recent slight reduction in British, rail freights; furthermore, that the Sydney harbour bridge contract was based oh rates 'prevailing when the contract was made. It was stated that these considerations were strongly advanced. There is a feeling among "the big shippers that very early advantage has been taken of the withdrawal of the Commonwealth,' Line competition to impose a wholesale increase on all measurement freights. On the contrary, shipowners stress the point that even had the Commonwealth Line been still in existence conditions Would have demanded the present increase. The shipowners are endeavouring to acquaint shippers with the new schedule without delay, but in the meantime delay continues in individual cases. The shipowners conferred at length with representatives of the Paper Makers’ Association before fixing freights. Members of the Australian Merchants’ Association say that the apparent reason for the desire that the rates should not be disclosed is apprehension that the Australian Tariff Board might possibly increase the duty on articles on which freights have not been increased.

ADDITIONAL INCREASES. Received 12.5 p.m. to-day. LONDON, Jan. 11. Additional increases in freights are: Paper not otherwise enumerated, in bales, reels and rolls 55s 6d .to 62s 6d, in cases 90s to 100 s, fiat in cases 55s to 70s, wrapping in cases 75s to- 85s, bales 55s to ,655.