SHIPPING FREIGHTS AND PASSAGES

Taranaki Daily News, 23 November 1932, Page 2

SHIPPING FREIGHTS AND PASSAGES

(To the Editor.) Sir,—During the present depressior which has so severely reacted on the economic stability of this country it ii interesting to review those phases oi commercial activity which have found it necessary to reduce charges for services, merchandise, etc., and to note that whilst practically every class of business has made reductions in keeping with the times, the shipping companies operating on the New Zealand, coast have not made any attempt to reduce either freights or passenger tariffs. The current rates, we believe, have been in force for many years, and with the exception of an increase of 2s 6d «in the passage money between Wellington and Lyttelton made some few years ago, no alterations of any moment have been made or are contemplated. The shipping companies have no doubt taken advantage of the reductions made under the National Expenditure Adjustment Act, 1932, by way of interest reduction, etc., and wage cuts, and have in other ways reduced overhead expenses. It would appear, therefore, that these companies should contribute to the amelioration of present conditions instead of letting the burden be completely carried by other classes of business. Doubtless it will be advanced by the interests concerned that whilst overhead has been reduced, lessened cargo and passenger offerings have.more than offset the relief obtained by the various reductions. However, this canno.t in our opinion be successfully put forward as an acceptable reason for failure to revise passage and freight tariffs, as practically every class of business is today doing a lessened volume, and is selling services or merchandise cheaper than ever before.—l am, etc., IMPORTER No. 1.