HANDLING CHARGES

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11659, 25 October 1923, Page 2

HANDLING CHARGES

N.Z. AND AMERICAN PORTS BENZINE CARGOES At the annual conference of the Farmers’ Union the question of handling charges at New Zealand and American ports was raised, and at yesterday's meeting of the union executive the following departmental communication on tho subject was road: —“It 'has generally been found that the main difference in price ie accounted for by the faut of the high handling charges between American and New Zealand ports, and the fact that benzine sent to New Zealand is eased and tinned. In America the casings and containers are not necessary, as the supplies are generally distributed more or less in bulk. American prices refer to American gallons. In New Zealand benzine is sold by tho Imperial gallon, which means that for every ten gallons importers pay for they can only get payment for eight and one-third gallons, or equivalent to 20 per cent, inorease on cost. Another factor which increases costs in New Zealand is the operation of the regulations in connection with the handling and storage of petrol, both by the harbour boards in discharging and tile Government and municipalities. These regulations are exacting—perhaps admittedly rightly so, but. they cause expense which has to go on t.o the New Zealand prico. You have probably noted fiom the newspapers that there is a price fall in America. Late cable advice.: show that prices are advancing, and will probably reach the normal lovel shortly. Local importers have at times lo face considerable loss in leakage. and carrv stocks to assure regular supplies, and insurance and interest p ay a big part in looal costs.”