REVENUE SWELLING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 20053, 16 September 1920, Page 7

REVENUE SWELLING.

NEW RAILWAY RATES. ONE ITEM ON THE FREE LIST. After a trial extending over three weeks, railway officials say that the new freight rates are working satisfactorily, Beyond doubt they aro adding largely to 1-ho Department’s revenue. One Christchurch firm estimates that its monthly bill for goods distribution has been raised by thousands of pounds. , H> js interesting to note that tho tree list contains only one, item. Bona fide agricultural lime intended for use by fanners can travel any distance up ro ono hundred miles without charge, i ho regulation brought in during 15)1.7 to ; govern ,tho transport of stock and to shows has not been altered, hull freight must bo paid to the place ot exhibition. The return charge is ml. The war time measure in regard to racehorses remains; in force. Consignors have to pay both ways, on an increased scale. Instead of 10s for tho first ton miles when Ti ft trucks are used, the rate is now Ids, and thereafter 6d instead of -Id audio. In ordinary trucks tho rate is 11s Cd in. stead of 8s 8d for the first horso un to ten miles, and from .Id instead of fid a mile thereafter. On tho second horse fhc owner has to pay an additional 2s 6d for tho first ton miles. There is not iho slightest sign of a drop in the amount of business done m the ordinary parcels office, though thp charge has been increased by onoIbu'd. Travellers never object' when asked to pay del instead of fid on each package of left or lost luggage. Tho increases are roughly:—Luggago, cycles, horses and vehicles. S3 per cent-; wheat, 20 per cent; timber, one-seventh; goods, live stock, haulage, storage and demurrage, 40 per cent. Tho old freight rate for timber carried from Christchurch to Lvttelton was 8d per 100 lineal feet. The new rate is Hd. Imported coal was carried up for 4s fid a ton. The new rate is 4s Bd. On Now Zealand coal the rise amounts to Cd a ton. Tho higher passenger fares aro evidently not causing anyone to stav at home. ’The increased cost of a 'first return to Dunedin from Christchurch is 3s Id. and of a first return to "imam .is 2d. It costs an extra penny l o get to Rangiora and an extra twopence to get to Lyttelton. None of these alterations has so far led to a complaint. The new holiday excursion rates are also likely to lie accepted without demur, though there is an allround increase of 2s in most cases.