RAILWAY FREIGHTS

Waipa Post, Volume 47, Issue 3385, 26 October 1933, Page 4

RAILWAY FREIGHTS

COMPLAINT OF UNFAIRNESS.

DAIRY PRODUCE SENT TO WELLINGTON.

There have, on occasions over a period of two or three years, been suggestions of unfair trading as a result of preferential railway freight tariffs by which Waikato butter and other dairy products could be railed to Wellington provincial centres for marketing. Statements were made, but when proof was wanted it was not forthcoming, though the statements were, so far as we can learn, not withdrawn. Southern producing interests contended that the effect of these preferential freights was tantamount to price cutting. It is interesting in this connection to note that the matter was referred to in Parliament, for information as to whether it was correct that special unretmunerative railway freight rates obtained between Auckland and Wellington respecting certain lines of dairy produce, was sought by the Hon. A. D. McLeod (Government, Wairarapa) in a question, notice of which he gave to the Prime Minister in the House oh Wednesday. Mr McLeod inquired if it were correct that such rates were granted as a result of the representation of M;r W. Goodfellow on the plea that it was desired to work up trade with the United States in dairy produce, and that no suitable shipping freight was available between Auckland and San Francisco.

Mr McLeod asked if it were correct that although practically no trade had been done in dairy produce with the United States as a< result of the unremunerative rates granted, Mr Goodfellow still used the rates to carry on unfair trading through certain stores in which he was stated to be interested. "Will the Minister fully inquire into the matter " added M'r McLeod.