FREIGHT CHARGES

Southland Times, Issue 22074, 22 July 1933, Page 5

FREIGHT CHARGES

AUSTRALIAN CARGO SHIPOWNERS OPPOSE REDUCTION FURTHER CONFERENCE (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) Canberra, July 21. A deputation from the Overseas Shipping Representatives’ Association, in outlining their case against the lowering of oversea freights to the New Zealand level as desired by the exporters of refrigerated produce, informed the Prime Minister that a 25 per cent, reduction in dairy produce freights was impossible and absurd. However, a further conference with shippers on the subject would be arranged. It is understood the shippers are seeking the removal of penalties under the Industries Preservation Act 1930 for breaches of agreement to ship only with the conference lines in order to be able to reach the best terms possible with individual shipowners. When the Prime Minister stated that it was the intention of the Commonwealth to push the chilled beef trade to the utmost, the shipowners’ representatives stated that they would be ready to provide space at short notice. They also stated that a concession of l-16d per pound would be given wool exporters provided the contract system was continued generally. Frozen beef exporters have been offered concessions amounting to £128,000 a year.