THE SHIPPING FREIGHT WAR

Otago Daily Times, 27 April 1906, Page 5

THE SHIPPING FREIGHT WAR

(Fnoit Oun Owk Corbt.spondt.nt.) WELLINGTON. April 26. Referring to the shipprcw combine, the New Zealand Times says:—" Legislation phonic! bo promptly pa.ssed giving the Supreme Court power to investigate every hole and corner of this proved monopoly, every form and understanding, every stipulation, expressed or implied, secret or avowed, that exists between these steamship companies and the frrezin.g companies constituting the monopoly. The power 1o ' disrovcr' here sug/iested must he of the widest, because the creators of this monopoly a-re astute men of business, who brow how to frame an agreement that may satisfy a casual reader, while in legal effect I lie apparently satisfactory clauses are unenforceable nullities. Endowed with ihis power, tlw court will get at the root of the disease. It will, at nnyrale. ho able lo decide whether or not the existing combination is, as has been stated, a stonding menace to, if not an intolerable fax upon, the farming interest of New Zealand. Accompanying the ]x>wcr of ascerlawiing this should he ample powers to apply a remedy. Once it has been made plain lo the satisfaction of an impartial judge that a. monopoly exist*, there is no reason why all agreements establishing it Miould r.ot be set aside a.s illegal, and further combination forbidden under heavy penalties: and. as regard.' the freezing eonmanies, it should ho made obligatory upon these to freeze at. the prevailing rales for any farmer or shipper without stipulaiion or condition a.s t:> what line the meat shall be flapped by. AVe are aware that even if such legislation

is passed attempts may'be made lo prevent its effectiveness. In such c;isc the only alternative will be Stale-owned freezing works and a Slate line of steamers lo protect our staple industry, and .at the same lime convey GovornmonJ and other cargo from Great Britain to the colony."

As a result or inquiries made amour Tnvcrcsrgil! shlnnir/r agents, the Southland Times slates that, the reduced freights to be adonted in the shinpinir war hive li«cu forwarder! lo the nsonls. a»rl careo freights have been very substnni'.il'.v reduced. A full stateroom, of the reductions is not vot available, but there is good authorilv for saving that wool is reduced {d per lb and fibre and tow 10s per ton.