SHIPPING FREIGHTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 58, 23 October 1911, Page 4

SHIPPING FREIGHTS.

On September Sth it was reported in London that the Liverpool shipping company engaged in the Atlantic trade were, in conjunction with other shipping lines, contemplating an increase of ten per cent, on the prevailing rate of freights. This is said to bo necessary owing to the in-

(Teasocl want's given to seamen and firemen, and to tlio congested state of tlio docks caused by the recent strike, which made it impossible to load and unload vessels in the customary time. These delays arc causing the companies enormous expense, and they feel justified in making the advance, for the present at all events. Mr C. Dance, freight manager for the International Mercantile Marine Company, a combine of the White Star, Leyland, Atlantic Transport, and other lines, said that negotiations of a delicate nature were proceeding between the London and Liverpool companies, as a result of which a decision upon the lines indicated would probably be readied. An increase of 10 per cent, would probably result, and ho had no doubt that other companies would follow the lead of those which wore parties to the decision. Nothing had yet been definitely settled as to the date upon which the change would come into force, but ho suggested the Ist of October as likely. On official of the Allan Line said that an increase in outward and inward freight rates was inevitable, although they had no intimation of a definite alternative having Ijeon decided upon. Questioned on the infhmee of the increased cost of transmart upon the price of food, he replied that the rise, if any, would not bo great.. ' Chain was at present being brought to England for little or nothing, and a few extra ponce per quarter in the cost of shipment would have no great effect upon the ■ price of a loaf. “We have got to pay the dock labourers considerably more now, and we have absolutely no alternative but to raise the freightage rates,” said this official. At the New Zealand Shipping Company’s offices it was stated that higher freight charges were inevitable in the near future, which fact must, of course, affect importers and exporter in this Dominion.