SHIPPING COMPANIES COMPLAIN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16571, 2 November 1921, Page 6

SHIPPING COMPANIES COMPLAIN.

INCREASED RATES AT LYTTELTON. NO RELIEF OFFERED. Unavailing complaints by shipping companies against the Lyttelton Harbour Board’s increased harbour improvement rate, which will be raised from 6d to Is a ton from January 1, were made bv shipping companies in letters read before the Harbour Board to-day. The Canard Company (Commonwealth and Dominion line) wrote stating that at a time when it was the earnest desire of all shipowners to reduce running charges in the endeavour to bring down freights, it was to be deplored that the board had increased its rate by 100 per cent. The charge "ould not possibly be passed oa, and in e present unsatisfactory state of the Dominion’s trade, this was the last thing desiied. In view of the fact that trading companies, producers and shipowners were all trading at a loss, the board was asked to reconsider its decision. Advices from London showed that the Port of London authority had lately reduced its charges by 20 per cent, and it was most disappointing that similar reductions had not been made by the Harbour Boards of New Zealand. The Shaw, Savill and Albion Company wrote strongly protesting against the increase. Mr H. 13. Sorensen moved that the board should reply regretting that the exigencies of trade in New Zealand and the services of the board did not permit of any alteration in tho hoard’s decision. When times improved, he said, the charges would no doubt be reduced. Can’t they pass it on/’ said Mr Horrell. “It is too small to pass on,” said Mr Sorensen. Mr ,H. T. Armstrong said that the board had made a mistake in not increasing its charges long ago in consonance with increased freights by the shipping companies. If art increase had then been made to Is 6d, and the board now proposed t-o reduce it to Is, the shipping companies would be quite satisfied. “ I think you are quite right,” said the chairman (Mr J. Storry). “ We should have taken action long ago.” “ Did the board increase its charges during the war?” asked Mr M’Alpine. “ Only 10 per cent.” said the engineer. The motion was carried unanimously.