THE MAIN PORTS

Southland Times, Issue 20613, 11 October 1928, Page 8

THE MAIN PORTS

CENTRALIZED SHIPPING OPPOSITION VOICED IN NAPIER FLAT RATE SYSTEM AFFIRMED (Per United Press Association.) Napier, October 10. The danger to minor ports of the movement for the centralization of shipping at the four chief centres was discussed at a meeting in Napier to-day of the Harbour Board and Chamber of Commerce and shipping, freezing, dairying, fruit growing and wool growing interests. Mr A. E. Jull stated that the meeting had been called in order that the producers of the province should get together with the idea of forming a policy for handling produce through the port of Napier. It was common knowledge that the authorities at Wellington and other main ports had advocated the abolition of the flat rate and had otherwise voiced schemes for the centralization of shipping. If their efforts were successful the result would be the centralization of shipping to the main ports. Napier, of course, could really be termed one of the main ports of New Zealand as far as the export of wool and produce was concerned. However it was thought that a general meeting of all concerned would be decidedly beneficial to the community and to the province. It was patent to all that centralization to larger ports was a force which had to be fought. Centralization had taken place in other countries to the detriment of producers and public in general. Mr Jull then moved ‘That this meeting affirm that the present system of flat rate of freight for exports from the Dominion has proved to be advantageous to the Dominion and we sincerely trust that abolition will not be brought about.” The motion was carried unanimously after which the meeting went into committee. Following a discussion a committee of all interests was set up to watch events and act if considered necessary.