THE RISE IN FREIGHTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16646, 3 September 1914, Page 10

THE RISE IN FREIGHTS.

SHIPPING COMPANIES AT- ! TACKED. ; MEETING OF FARMERS AND . BUSINESS MEN. 5 A meeting of Canterbury farmers business men was held yesterday t - discuss the recent rise in shippi:- ■ freights. Delegates attended fron the Sheep Owners' Union, the Farmer' Union and the Chamber of Commerce [ Dr E. G. Levinge, of the committee oi - the fund for the relief of the poor of ■ Great Britain and Belgium, was als< : present. Mr C. H. Ensor, president of th Farmers' Union, in stating the object of the meeting, asked whether the in crease in shipping ratfs of 20 per ct>V could bo thought justifiable. He points 6u< that in a national cri;i.3 tho moj:: o; communication should bo smoothly and cheaply. As »ar mh< .knew there had so far baen no attempt at cornering foodstuffs. , The Govern client was setting up a commission t' inquire into the increased shipping iatt and to check tho pr;ccs of foodstuffs i., general. Mr L, C. Gardiner, representing the Sheep Farmers' Union, stated that a>. far as tho objects of the meeting weri concerned, t.ie papers had already cu; the ground from under its feet. Mr,D. Jones said that direet action should bo taken, but that it was haro to say upon what line- ttiay should act. Ho referred to a statement mado by Mr Bennet and published in the " LyttoJ ton Times" ju-tifying the increases rate. This he could not agree with. Tne freigiit on dairy produce and meat had been fixed by producers with shipping companies over a series of years, at a raze which would allow for any contingencies, so that the freight burden fell on tho balance of the producers. Tho shipping companies were making war on tae community. The .shipping rates had increased by over 60 per cent in the last two years. This year's "clip" would cost the woo) growers £160,000 and the exporters £750,000 in freights. It was likely to be more expensive to producers and exporters than the war. Drastic measures should bo taken and if they failed measures should bo taken to safeguard interests in the future. He suggested that farmers sjiould charter Oennan ooats seized in Australia. Mr E. W. Relph suggested that in some measure the increased rate might be justifiable. War risks had to be contended with, crews had to be paid increased wages, and there was insurance as well. The policy did not covor the full cost of the ship. Mr Baxter, representing the Chamber of Commerce, referred to a resolution P ass .ed by the Chamber and forwarded to Mr Massey, protesting against the increased froight rate. The Government was doing all it could in tho mat'm' f- ? comil "ttee had been Eet up. Ihe freight increases were made at tho shipping companies' head offices. Thesewere excessive, but tho companies were entitled to a small increase. Mr It. Evans said he was satisfied that tho committee could do more besides getting an understanding in connection with tho freights. At a certain time in the year, when meat and wool wero being shipped, it was practically impossible for the small farmer to get his goods away. He mentioned peas and beans as examples. In this manner, he stated, Id per bushel was lost. It was moved and seconded that a committee should bo formed to further the cause of the farmers. This resolution was carried unanimously. Messrs L. C. Gardiner, D. Jones, R. Evans and C. H. Ensor were appointed as the committee. Mr C..H. Ensor moved that the Government should have the meeting's entire support iu setting up a special Commission. • Mr G; Gardner seconded tho motion, which was carried unanimously. Dr Levinge, representing the committee established to raise a fund for the relief of Great Britain and Belgium, said that ho regrotted the absence of his chairman. The object for which his committee was working was one which must commend itself to everyone. Millions of people in Great Britain were alwavs on the verge of starvation, and Britain's poor wore a menace to her in a European war. The Prince of Wales's Fund for the same purposes had realised one and three-quarter million to date. Tho taxation in Britain would bo enormous. He said the Mayor's fund was too local. New Zealand owed its prosperity to the ever-ready Navy, to which it had until recent years contributed in a paltry manner, and it was costing from forty-seven to fifty millions a year. Surely New Zealanders could help Britain's poor in return. He hoped that the meeting could see its way to help with contributions. < The chairman, Mr 0- H. Ensor, as- : sured Dr Levinge that they would do > everything thev conld in the matter. Mr C. H. Ensor suggested that a i telegram should be sent to the Premier i asking hiin ,to include a Canterbury • wheat-grower in the Commission. The recommendation was adopted. I i