MINOR HARBOURS MENACED IF FLAT RATE IS ABOLISHED

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6735, 11 October 1928, Page 7

MINOR HARBOURS MENACED IF FLAT RATE IS ABOLISHED

Napier Anxious

CENTRALISATION AT FOUR CHIEF POETS

HAWKE’S BAY INTERESTS.

Per Press Association,

NAPIER, Last Night.

Tlic danger to minor ports of tiro movement for the centralisation of shipping at the four chief ports mas discussed at a meeting in Napior today of the Harbour Board, Chamber of Commerce and shipping, freezing, dairying, fruit-growing and wool-grow-ing interests. In opening the proceedings Mr. A. E. dull (chairman of the Najner Harbour Board) pointed out that the meeting had boon called in order that producers of the province should get together, with the idea of forming a policy for handling produce through the port of Napier. It was common knowledge that the authorities at Wellington and other main ports had advocated the abolition of ithe fiat rate and had otherwise voiced schemes for the centralisation of shipping. If their efforts were successful, the result would be the centralisation of shipping to main ports. Napier, of course, could really be termed one of the main ports of New Zealand as far ,as the export of. wool and produce was concerned. However, it was thought a general meeting of all concerns would be decidedly beneficial to tho community and to the province. It was patent to all that centralisation to larger ports was a force which had to be fought. Centralisation had taken place in other countries, to the detriment of the producers and tho public in general. Mr. dull then moved; “That this meeting affirms > that tho present system of a flat rate of freight for exports from the Dominion has proved to be advantageous to the Dominion and wo sincerely trust that its tion will not bo brought about. ’’, Tho motion Was carried unanimously, after which the meeting went into committee and following a discussion, a committee of all interests was set up to watch events and act if it was considered necessary.