LARGE INCREASE IN OVERSEAS FREIGHTS

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6809, 12 January 1929, Page 9

LARGE INCREASE IN OVERSEAS FREIGHTS

AUSTRALIA’S BURDEN.

SEQUEL TO SALE OF COMMONWEALTH LINE.

United Pre33 Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Received Friday, 11.35 p.m. MELBOURNE, Jan. 11. Mr. Scullin, Federal Labour leader, in commenting on the pending increaso in overseas shipping freights, said the increase would be ten per cent., which was not unexpected, following the sale of the Commonwealth line of steamers. ' " Details a Secret

PYTRAORDINARY action OF MERCHANTS’ COMMITTEE LONDON, Jan. 10. An extraordinary position has arisen owing to the decision of the Australian Merchants’ committee advising against the publication of details concerning the increase in the freights to Australia. No reason has been given therefore beyond the fact that it might cause misapprehension in Australia in the absence of the full text. The shipowners have no objection of any kind. It was stated earlier that the full details would be available as soon as they were prepared, but the merchants’ committee at the last minute expressed the opinion that publication was undesirable. Shippers to Australia are perplexed and bewildered by the complicated position which has ensued. One result is that the shippers arc compelled to make enquiries regarding' everything they are shipping, and, consequently, orders are being held up until the information is gained. The present position can only be described as absurd and a waste of time.