CENTRALISATION OF SHIPPING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 291, 6 November 1928, Page 6

CENTRALISATION OF SHIPPING.

The authorities controlling the smaller harbours of the Dominion are at present somewhat conceimed at the action of the larger boards towards centralising overseas shipping- at the main ports. The-Wel-lington Harbour. Board, which is taking a leading part in the movement, recently passed a resolution inquiring into the present system of the fiat rate of freight from New Zealand to the United Kingdom with the apparent idea of obtaining its abolition. Viewing this as another step in the movement towards centralising shipping at the main ports, several of the smaller boards have expressed their firm opposition to the abolition of the flat rate of freight. The Wanganui Harbour Board has been most determined in opposing the centralisation of overseas shipping at the main ports, and it is supported by the Gisborne Board which, at its last meeting, unanimously passed a resolution denouncing the Wellington proposal. It is to be hoped that the protest of the smaller boards will be effective. Under present conditions, it is cheaper for Palmerston North business people to have overseas goods shipped to Wanganui and then railed to this centre than it is for them to be unloaded at Wellington and sent on by rail. Thus, the proposal of the Wellington Harbour Board, it will be perceived, is against the interests of Palmerston North and district and, as it is essential that additional charges should not -be placed upon this and other nearby centres —which centralisation of overseas shipping at Wellington would entail—every effort must be made to frustrate the movement initiated by the harbour authority of the Capital City. This is a matter which should have the immediate attention of the Chamber of Commerce as a discussion of the subject would be enlightening to the town and country districts.