Export Freight Rates

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 258, 30 October 1937, Page 2

Export Freight Rates

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Oct. 29. A suggestion by the chairman of "the Dairy Board, Mr J. A. Murdock, at a middle ward conference, that a 2£ per cent, rise in export freight rates was due to local factors and high handling charges, was refuted by the Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. W. Lee Martin, in a statement in which ho says that ,costs in New Zealand have comparatively little influence on the total labour costs associated with sea transport. He points out that crews are under English articles. Loading cost 3 are influenced by New Zealand labour jonditione, but not unloading in Britain. Furthermore the new waterside-workers’ award giving increases in wages was made after the signing of the new workers' award giving increases in wages in Britain. Furthermore the new waterside-workers* award giving increases in wages was made after tho signing of the new freight agreement. Wages and conditions were fixed by mutual agreement in Conciliation proceedings, so it could not he claimed that the Arbitration Court had imposed conditions above those the shipping companies were willing to concede. The new rates would appear to be in line with the general increase in costs, rather than of any particular costs in New Zealand alone.

The Minister quotes freight rates in New Zealand and Australia for mutton iamb, frozen beef, chilled beef, and pork, showing that New Zealand obtained more favourable terms in each case. Australian dairy produee rates were not yet to hand, but substantial reductions would have to be obtained before their terms were comparable with New Zealand-