CARGO FREIGHTS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIV, Issue 123, 1 June 1910, Page 6

CARGO FREIGHTS.

NEW ZEALAND GRIEVANCES

In a very comprehensive annual report, issued by the Manchester Association of Importers and Exporters, special reference is made to the conditions of cargo transport to New Zealand. A communication had been received from members engaged in the New Zealand trade, to the effect that whereas the cargo steamers to Australia carried "fine" goods at 15s per ton less than was charged by the mail steamers, the rates by the cargo steamers to New Zealand were only 5s per ton less than was ; charged by the mail, steamers. Correspondence ensued with the London Association with the object of jointly approaching the shipping companies to induce them to place New Zealand on the Australian basis. It had been?|>ointedlout in reply that the Australian steamers were "mail steamers," in every sense of the term, while, on the other hand, the so-called New Zealand mail steamers were not in the same category, although they carried letters. It was therefore decided not to approach the conference on this matter. Attention had also been directed'to the rates for "rough" goods to New Zealand being the same by cargo and mail steamers, but it had been decided not to take any action, because it was thought to be possible that intervention might have the effect of causing the rates by the mail steamers to be raised and not of the rates by the cargo steamersrEb be reduced.

With regard to the clause in the Australian charter parties, which, precluded the Manchester importers of grain from ordering sailing ships from the port of call' to the Manchester ship Canal, the report stated that the Australian Chambers of Commerce as well as exporters of grain from Australia had been again approached, and the desired change in the sailing ship charter party would doubtless be established. The New Zealand 'Chambers had also had their attention drawn to the needed change. The Canterbury Chamber of Commerce had already written to say that they sympathised with the association's endeavour to have removed the disadvantage under which shippers of New Zealand wheat and oats suffer by the old clause in the charter party. As steamers were also bringing cargoes of grain from Australia and New Zealand to European ports, it was emphasised that their charter parties should contain no clause relating to Manchester or the Manchester Ship Canal. The custom ary clause providing for discharge at "any safe port in the United ingdbm" was all that was required.

Correspondence with the Federal-Houlder-Shire line of steamers, who maintain a regular monthly service from Manchester ;to New Zealand ports, in respect of expediting .the voyages, had had a very satisfactory result. The steamship owners had. promised to see what could be done to comply with the request of the Association, and said they thought the Association would find in future that the steamers would arrive at the first New Zealand port on the 63rd day after leaving Manchester.