RAILWAY RATES.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 2714, 23 June 1925, Page 7

RAILWAY RATES.

COMPLETE REVISION OF CHARGES Increased Schedule For Meat And Wool CATERING FOR SUBURBAN TRAFFIC. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, Last-Night. In connection with the proposals of the Railway Board, a report states that, as the result of inquiries it has obtained an adequate insight into the wants of the Department's customers. The information thus gained has also definitely pointed in the direction of a general demand for better service, rather than reduced rates. This view is supported by the report of the Commislson of the English railway experts who recently inquired Into railway affairs. and who, In dealing with the matter of competition with the railways, stated that they did not think that rates had had so) much effect upon traffic, as the facilities of door to door conveyance. Another factor is the financial position of the Department. The Royal Commission stated that the experience from the year preceding their report was that there was no margin for a reduction of rates, unless by doing so, more traffic could be secured. Regarding anomalies, the position was difficult, because concessions in rates had been given for specific purposes.

Principal alterations passenger rates will not bo materially affected. Holiday excursions fares will not be further reduced, but concessions will be given as to the use of tickets at the minimum charges. Reduced special excursion faros are to be charged when deemed desirable.

Family, ordinary and excursion tickets will be Issued, also twelve and fifty-trip tickets. For season tickets, there will be no alteration in cost. Annual tickets will bear a slight increase, and reporters’ tickets will be increased to two-thirds the ordinary faro. Concessions are made to picnic parties from schools, factories and trade unions. In suburban fares, concessions are made for shorter distances up to five miles. Charges for excess luggage are reduced and checking changes increased; those for parcels ai-e also increased and various other concessions given.

Regarding charges *for fruit and vegetables, differentiation ceases, all commodities mentioned in the regulation being brought into lino. There is a lengthy list under the classifications rate. There will be an increased charge on frozen moat and wool but slight decreases in the excess rates on live stock. One material alteration Is the prescription of the minimum halftruck rate for Jots of animals.

Charges on metal for local bodies are to bo increased but charges for demurrage will not be made until eight hours have expired, Instead of the present five hours. A now provison Is inserted prescribng a charge of 1/5 per ton per day or part of day when goods for shipment are held in trucks, waiting to he shipped. Regarding coal rates, it seems imposiblo to justify the continuance of special rates, if the Department is to pay its way. Various changes are made in the coal rates and many pages are given to details of classification and interpretations.