DOMINION PORTS

Southland Times, Issue 20495, 25 May 1928, Page 6

DOMINION PORTS

FLAT RATE FOR FREIGHT. DISCUSSION BY HARBOUR BOARD. (Per United Association.) Wellington, May 24. A motion was discussed by the Harbour Board protesting against the system of a flat rate for freight from all ports of New Zealand and setting up a committee to go into the question in all its bearings. Mr. Mitchell, the mover, said Wellington was being unjustly penalized to make up the loss on other ports and £1,000,000 yearly was being lost. What was the use of the safe and modern wharves and facilities provided here when we had to pay for risks taken in dangerous harbours and roadsteads elsewhere. Other speakers supported him and blamed the Meat and Dairy Boards for the system. It was said, however, the National Dairy Association had arranged the flat rate before these bodies came into existence. One member opposed the motion, claiming generally that Wellington was doing very well as it was, and that great cost would be incurred for additional wharves and sheds. Nothing like a million would be saved. He was going to say that Mr. Mitchell wanted to concentrate ships in two ports, but later denied he had ever said such a thing. Some members though it better to omit that part of the motion against the flat rate, and said the motiqn was carried with this deleted.