LONDON DOCK CHARGES

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3599, 3 April 1924, Page 5

LONDON DOCK CHARGES

MERCHANTS PROTEST, [By Electric Cable —Copyright.] [Auat. and N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received Wednesday, 9.20 p.m) LONDON, April 2. A deputation from the London Chamber of Commerce and other trading associations attended the Port of London Authority and protested against the heavy increases In the basic rates in order to meet recent increases in wages. The deputation contended that, 'the additons far exceeded the amount rcqured to meet the extra wages. Lord Ritchie justified the increases and assured the deputation that if there was a surplus from the charges they would be reduced. He pointed out 'that the rates were only increased twenty per cent, in 1915, and twenty per cent now, and the capital expenditure upon the docks was not at present yielding a return. Mr Tredwen, on behalf of the deputation, urged that the Authority was setting a very bad example. He suggested that the interest on unremuncraclve undertakings should be added to capital until these paid their way. Mr Greenwood, on behalf of the Fruitbrokers, said the increase would drive trade' to Liverpool, Manchester and Hamburg. For Instance, Liverpool could sell oranges at sixpence a case below London, which he boycotted.