NEW RAILWAY RATES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23378, 21 June 1939, Page 14

NEW RAILWAY RATES

REASONS FOR DELAY CO-ORDINATION PROBLEM INTEREST AT HAMILTON [from OUR OWN correspondent] HAMILTON, Tuesday Tlio reason for the delay until July 1 of the operation of tho new mileage rates in tho railway tariff was outlined by Mr. A. G. Ward, chairman of tho Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, at a meeting last night. Mr. Ward 6aid an official of the Railways Department had explained to him the difficulties being experienced by the Government in co-ordinating the freight charges for the recently acquired State road transport services and tho railway. Tho .new rates required the authorisation of botli tho Minister of Railways, tho Hon. D. G. Sullivan, and the Minister of Transport, the Hon. 11. Semple. This had been delayed until tho road and rail services were coordinated. Tho official denied suggestions that tho postponement of tho new rates was duo to pressure exerted by interested parties in Auckland, on account of the increased charges to Auckland firms on tho Auckland-King Country line. Mr. Ward said that tho Government apparently intended to formulate an amended tariff schedule to include both tho road and rail services. Tho chamber decided to communicato with the Minister of Railways, the general manager of railways, and tho Primo Minister, urging that no further delay in tho enforcement of tho new rates should be permitted.