RAILWAY FREIGHTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15549, 5 March 1914, Page 8

RAILWAY FREIGHTS.

REDUCTIONS ASKED FOR.

MINISTER'S REPLY.

TARIFF BEING REVISED.

Palmerston North, Wednesday. The Minister for Railways, the Hon. W. H. Hemes, was interviewed to-night by a deputation, which asked him for a reduction of the freight on coal intended for inland towns. He replied that he could not see his way to alter the conditions at present.

The Chamber of Commerce asked that tho freight on wool sent back to the country for scouring should be reduced. It was pointed out the Department frequently got three freights on a bale of wool sent back for scouring. A reduction in freight was also asked for on hemp sent back damaged by water for drying. A shortage of trucks, causing delay and loss to businessmen, was also mentioned.

Mr. Hemes replied, regarding wool, coal, and hemp, tJiat these matters had alreadv been brought before the Department. The tariff was being revised, and he hoped to bring about improvements. He wanted to see his way clear to make up the revenue in some other way before alterations were made, and he could not see his way clear at present to make the concession asked for on wool, although he recognised that wool-scouring should be encouraged, but he did not think this should be done at the expense of the Railway Department. They were endeavouring to cope with the shortage of trucks, and more wer« being constructed. The abnormal season had accounted in a large measure for the deficiency. Regarding a traffic manager for Palmerston, he would consider the matter. A new traffic district had already been created between Frankton and Marton Junction.