STEAMER FREIGHTS ON CHAFF

Otago Witness, Issue 3614, 19 June 1923, Page 10

STEAMER FREIGHTS ON CHAFF

DISPARITY ALLEGED. _ AUCKLAND, June 14. The apparent disparity in freight charges on chaff between South Island ports and Auckland, and those on the same commodity between Victoria and this port, was complained of in a letter received by the executive of the Importers’ and Shippers* Association. At Dunedin, it was explained to-dav by a member of a local produce firm, the complaint was that information had been received to the effect that the Union Steam Ship Company had entered into an arrangement to carry some 4000 odd tons of chaff from Victoria to Auckland at 30s per ton, while the freight from South Island ports to Auckland was 45s per ton. and it was felt this would mean a serious handicap to South Island farmers, aa the Auckland market had in former years been one of (heir chief means of disposing of their produce. It was explained by a local merchant that southern chaff was sent to this port in sacks, and consequently occupied more steamer space than the Australian, which was usually consigned in a compressed form. Tlie result was that Viotorian chaff measured 50 to 60 cubic feet to the ton, while the southern product, in. sacks, ran from 120 to 130 cubic feet to the ton. \yhile the freight on Victorian compressed chaff was only 30s on dumped Victorian chaff namely, hales of from three to five bags bound together, it was 40s, and on chaff, in hags, 555. On those figures it would appear that southern growers are not unduly penalised, the southern freight of 45s and the Australian of 555. on bagged chaff, being in their favour: but it is explained that southern chaff is contained in strong grain sacks, while the Victorian produce comes in a hessian ha<g of thinner texture, arid is. moreover, larger, and consequently requires more careful handling. It was stated by the Auckland officers of the Union Company that, as far as is known locally, the company is not bringing from Australia the quantity of chaff mentioned in the Dunedin message. It is understood that another shipping lino is handling the business.