RAILAGE ON FROZEN MEAT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2429, 3 October 1900, Page 7

RAILAGE ON FROZEN MEAT.

The Canterbury exporters have again returned to the charge, demanding a reduction in railage on frozen meat ; and a comparison of charges between New Zealand and Victoria shows that the chief export industry of this colony is severely handicapped by excessive railage. The comparative charges are as follows: — • Per ton. Miles. N.Z. Victoria. Ma+aura to Bluff ... 17s 21 5s FJ^ Waipukurau to Spit ... 4G 16s srt 5i 4£d Lor-gburn to Wellington 84 24-i 6J 0s 9id Fairfield to Lyttelton 55 38s 84 6s 5 d Belfast to Lyttelton- ... 15 7s (H 4s Sd* Tomoana to Spit ... 13 6s lid 4s sa* * These com? under the minimum of mileage for frozen meat. Victoria's trade in frozen meat is only about one-seventh of that of New Zealand, and yet her railway authorities carry meat for export at one-third the rate charged in this colony. For some mysterious reason the Seddon Government have never assisted the meat trade in any shape-or form, although they actually pander to the exporters of dairy produce. The-reason for this is not far to seek. The Ministry think the men chiefly interested in the meat trade are theii opponents, whilst the dairy men are followers of theirs, otherwise they would never show such hostility to the colony's largest industry. Now that the Hon. J. G. Ward is at the head of railway affairs, it is an opportune period to make a fresh effort for reduction, as lie has had practical experience of the refrigerating business, and his sympathies should be with the exporters. — Tapanui Courier.

Now is the time to secure novelties for the flower garden. Send at once to Nimmo AND BiAlßt Dunedin, for full particulars*