CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 133, 7 June 1934, Page 7

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

WANGANUI EXECUTIVE MEETS RAILWAY FREIGHT QUESTION LETTER FROM GENERAL MANAGER Mr. A. S. Burgess presided at the monthly meeting of the executive oi the Wanganui Chamber of Commerce last evening, when the following were also present:—Messrs. L. Brinkman, fe. J. Goodcy, J. Goldstone, bilk, D. G. O’Toole, A. E. Rankm, R. G. Taiboys, I. E. Newton, K. L. Thompson and W. J. Gilberd. A letter was leceived stating that the Postmaster-General had stated that lite new telegraph rates would be reviewed after they had been in operation for six months. It was agreed that discussion should be withheld until after the review had been made. The Wanganui City Council advised that the matter of the minimising of earthquake damage had been referred to the Works Committee for investigation. The Central Licensing Authority advised that the next sitting would be held at Wanganui on June 8, when applications for renewal of licenses would be heard. The association was asked to appoint a representative. It was reported that the committee appointed by the chamber, the Automobile Association, City Council and Development League had discussiyd the question of speeding up the work on the Parapara Road, and had interviewed the Wanganui County Council. It was stated that the committee had the matter in hand. The secretary reported that although a letter had been sent to Mr. W. A. Veitch, M.P., asking his co-operation in lequesting the Government that a new post office be erected at Wanganui, no answer had been received from him. It was regretted that no reply had been received, and it was decided to write to Mr. Veitch again. Minutes were read of the imports, exports and shipping committee meeting held to discuss the reduction m railway freights to Dannevirke and other Wairarapa stations from Wellington. It was stated that the Railway Board had been written to asking that Wanganui be given the same consideration. The following letter from Mr. G. H. Mackley, general manager of railways, was read: — “With reference to your letter concerning the respective freight charges on goods of classes A, B, C and D

from Wanganui and New Plymouth breakwater to Hawera, I desire to inform you that in both cases the rates now in operation are substantially less than our standard charges for the mileages involved. They were brought into operation with the sole object of meeting competition from road servicesand not with any desire or intention of affecting the natural flow of traffic through cither of the ports concerned. In determining the extent of the reduction which we found it expedient to state, the principal points that had to be considered were the volume of traffic and the nature of the competition to which it was subject and the rates fiom both ports were fixed after due regard had been given to these aspects. A comparison of the transport costs by rail, including wharfages from the two ports to Hawera discloses a difference in favour of New Plymouth breakwater of 2s 5d per ton. “So far as our business is concerned, the investigations we have made have failed to disclose that a reduction in our rate from Wanganui, with the object of equalising the charges fiom the two ports, would be beneficial to us. It is unlikely we would be able to bring about any material diversion in that portion of the traffic which, is now roadborne and the indications are we would simply be handling the same volume of business as at present for a smaller revenue. In view of the position, I regret we cannot agree to any adjustment in our existing rate at the present juncture.” The letter was received and referred to the committee for consideration. Members were invited to attend an address to be given to the Wanganui Employers’ Association by Mr. H. C. Jenkins entitled “Depression and Recover}-.” They were also invited to hear Air. M. J. Savage, Leader of the Opposition, who is to speak at the Opera House on Monday. On the suggestion of Air. Thompson it was agreed that representations be made to the Minister of Internal Affairs asking that the Government Tourist Bureau at Wanganui should not be closed. It was considered that the closing of the branch would result in great inconvenience to.the public. Mr. Veitch is to be asked to support the chamber’;-: request.