RAILWAY RATES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21182, 1 November 1938, Page 6

RAILWAY RATES

Chamber of Commerce Protest Support From Waimate County WAIMATE, October 31. Strong support of the protest of the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce against the differentiation of railway rates to and from Timaru was expressed by members of the Waimate County Council at the meeting yesterday. The Council agreed to support the protest and to suggest that the Chamber of Commerce seek the support of the shipping companies. It was also decided to bring the protest to the notice of the Member for Waitaki. In a letter to the Council, the Chamber pointed out that the differentiation precluded Timaru from handling the trade which it was entitled to handle. As an instan.e, a ton of produce railed from Christchurch to Timaru cost £l/17/1, while the return freight was £3/9/1. A flat rate per mile was considered more equitable. Cr. H. B. S. Johnstone said the question was not a new question, but had been going on for a number of years. The differential rates were iniquitous. When the Chamber of Commerce had referred the matter to the Departmene some time ago. the reply referred to the advent of the motor lorry. But motor lorries, said Cr. Johnstone, were cn the road years before. The question affected not only the harbour, but also those on the land, and in support he quoted a personal experience of railway machinery to and from Christchurch. The freight one way had been double. Cr. N. A. Rattray said that it seemed almost incredible that the differentiation should be adopted by the Railway Department with sound reason. Cr. A. N. Hayes said that the same position obtained in Oamaru. Cr. Rattray said the Department’s policy was one of preference to the larger centres, which did not appear justified. Cr. Johnstone remarked that the differentiation occurred throughout the country. There was no need to refer specifically to Lyttelton or to Timaru. Before them was a specific instance of a practice the abolition of which they were asked to support. The chairman (Mr J. Bitchener), and Cr. W. Li rdsay, also - supported the protest.