LIVE STOCK FREIGHTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 205, 31 August 1932, Page 6

LIVE STOCK FREIGHTS

Sir, —A movement is afoot by far mers throughout the country to have existing railway freights on live stock revised. At a meeting of the Rangitikei A. and P. Association held on the 20th inst. reported in the “Chronicle,” the secretary reported that he had written to kindred associations soliciting their support in the agitation for a reduction in freights in respect to live stock, and had received a reply from the secretary of the Waimarino Association stating that there was no unanimity amongst the committee concerning the matter and the association could not therefore give the Taihape Association the support it was asking

1 take it that it was the Waimarino A.P.H. and I. Association that had been w'ritten to, and if correct, Mr. J. Webb is to be complimented in requesting that the letter be ruled out. Mr. Webb further stated that he had recently interviewed most of the members of the committee of the Wai marino Association and they were strongly in favour of the proposal for a reduction in freight charges. The Waimarino Association’s reply, coming from a district where many thousands of sheep are railed away annually, is amazing and one can hardly imagine it from mop directly concerned with farming. The chairman of the Taihape committee, above referred to, tabled a report showing an increase of over 50 per cent, in sheep and cattle freights since 1913, ana surely the local must sec that any reduction in freights would be directly and immediately handed on to the farmers by way of increased prices for their stock, both store and fat. Store stock from this district has for a number of years been keenly sought after by farmers from outside districts, hut all freight costs are always taken into account when prices are assessed. To rail store sheep from Raetihi to any of the coast districts, at recent ruling rates, costs in many cases up to 25 per cent, of price paid locally, and a child in Standard I. could see that any saving effected in this charge would be handed on to the local seller. I would like to see the local farmers interest themselves in this matter. Thanking you. —I am, etc., •RAETIHI FARMER.