FROZEN MEAT EXPORT.

Otago Witness, 1 June 1910, Page 9

FROZEN MEAT EXPORT.

MELBOURNE, May 25. The shipping agents have decided to increase the freight rates on frozen meat to -|d per lb from August next.

(From Our . Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, May 25. It is not considered probable by local shipping authorities (says the Post) that the decision of the shipping companies trading between London and Australia to increase their freight rates on frozen meat, as reported by cable to-day, to |d per lb will have any effect on the rates . from New Zealand. In Australia' the freight rates are largely determined by supply and demand, and at the present time there is a material shortage of tonnage having refrigerated cargo space owing to the splendid season and the abundance of meat cargo offering. The New Zealand rates are generally fixed at the commencement of the busy summer season, and the shipping companies make contracts with exporters on the basis of these rates. With a view, however, of inducing the freezing companies to distribute their shipments over the year, the rates are generally reduced in .June, at the commencement of the slack winter season, during which there is a shortage of cargo. This is the only alteration contemplated locally. From the increase in the Australian rates it may be inferred that the shipping companies are realising the advantages of their position.