FREIGHT ON COAL.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 1273, 15 July 1925, Page 10

FREIGHT ON COAL.

CHAMBER OP COMMERCE DISCUSS MATTER. The proposed now railway tariff came up before yesterday's meeting of the Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce, especially in relation to the carriage of coal. The chairman (Mr. H. Ij. Young) stated that lie had intended to go round the different coal users and ascertain their views on the matter and how the proposed new tariff would affect them. Mr. J. J. O’Shea (stationmaster at Palmerston North) explained that as regards houscoid coal from Waikato, the now charge proposed was 21/11 per ton, as against 15/9. There had been no alteration made as regards imported cool, which was 17/5 per ton from Wellington to Palmerston North. The position with West Coast coal would be 13/S per ton, as against 13/4, an increase of 4d per ton. Firewood remained about the same, although it was proposed to freight it at so much per ton, instead of per truck. He also explained that several deputations had seen the Minister for Railways on the matter and he would not be surprised to sec some amendment in the charges. Mr. J. P. Stubbs drew attention to the difference in freight on imported coal (17/5) and on the West Coast product (13/8). It seemed to him that the extra charge was another way of securing an import duty on coal through the railways, instead of the Customs. Mr. A. McNeill, business agent of the Railways, who was present at the meeting, did not agree with Mr. Stubbs, but said lie was rather inclined to think it was an endeavour to foster a New Zealand industry. The Same difference in charge was noted in timber. Mr. Stubbs: “Yes, in timber, but why not in all Now Zealand industries?” The chairman stated that the cry had always been to make the railways a paying concern and by any movement to unduly cut the freights they would be going back on their previous wishes, it would be a good tiling it members would investigate us soon as possible the effect of the proposed charge on the various industries that came under their notice. "P.iit don’t forge!added Dir. Young, "(hat railwas have to be made to pay.”