RAILWAY CHARGES.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 June 1925, Page 5

RAILWAY CHARGES.

NEW FARES AND FREIGHTS IMPORTANT ALTERATIONS. PROVIDING BETTER SERVICE. REPORT OF BOARD ISSUED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Wellington, Last Night. In connection with the proposals of the Railway Board, the report states that as a result of inquiries the board has obtained an adequate insight into the wants of the department’s customers, and the information thus gained has definitely pointed in the direction of a general demand for better service rather than reduced rates. This view is supported by the report of the commission of English railway experts who recently inquired into railway affairs, and who, in dealing with the matter of competition with the railways, stated that they did not think that the rates had had so much effect upon traffic as the facilities of door to door conveyance. Another factor is the financial position of the department. The Royal Commission stated that the experience from the year preceding their report was that there was no margin for a reduction in rates unless by doing so more traffic could Ibe secured. Regarding anomalies the position is difficult because concessions in rates have been given for specific purposes. The principal alterations in passenger rates are not material. Holiday excursion fares are not to be further reduced, but concessions will be given as to the use of tickets. The minimum charges are reduced, and special excursion fares are to Ibe charged when deemed desirable at reduced rates.

Family, ordinary and excursion tickets will be issued, and also twelve and fifty trip tickets. In season tickets there is no alteration, and annual tickets show a slight increase. Reporters’ tickets are increased to two-thirds tho ordinary fare. Concessions are made for picnic parties from schools, factories and trade unions.

In suburban fares concessions are made for shorter distances up to five miles. The charges for excess luggage are reduced. Checking charges are increased and the parcels rate is also increased. There are various other concessions regarding the charges for fruit and vegetables.

There is a lengthy list under the classifications rate. There will be an increased charge for frozen meat and wool, and slight decreases in the excess rates. On live stock or material the alteration is the prescription of a minimum half truck rate for lots of animals.

Charges for metal for local bodies are to be increased. Charges for demurrage will not be made until eight hours have expired instead of the present five hours. A new provision is inserted prescribing a charge of Is 5d per ton per day or part of a day when goods for shipment are held in trucks waiting to be shipped. Regarding coal rates, it seems impossible to justify a continuance of special rates if the department is to pay its way. Various changes are made in the coal rates.