FREIGHT ON EXPORTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20074, 11 October 1928, Page 12

FREIGHT ON EXPORTS.

FLAT RATE SYSTEM ENDORSED RESOLUTION AT NAPIER. [ill' TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] NAPIER. Wednesday. The danger to minor ports of a movement for tho centralisation of shipping at the four chief centres was discussed at a meeting in Napier to-day of the Harbour Board, Chamber of Commerce and shipping, freezing, dairying, fruitgrowing and woolgrowing interests. Mr. A, E. Jull said the meeting had been called in order that producers should co-operate with the object of forming a policy for handling produce through tho port of Napier. It was common knowledge that tho authorities at Wellington and other main ports had advocated abolition of tho flat rate and had otherwise advocated schemes for the centralisation of shipping. If their efforts were successful the result would bo the centralisation of shipping to the main ports. Napier, of course, could really bo termed ono of tho main ports of New Zealand as far as exports of wool and produce wcro concerned. However, it was thought a general meeting of all concerns would bo decidedly beneficial to the community and to tiie province. Mr. Jull then moved "that this meeting affirm that tho present system of a flat rate of freight for export from the Dominion has proved advantageous to tho Dominion and we sincerely trust that its abolition will not be brought about." Tho motion was carried unanimously, after which the meeting went into committee. Following a discussion a committee of nil interests was set up to take action if considered necessary.