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APPENDIX H. Department of Agriculture, Wellington, Bth October, 1920. At the last meeting of the Committee a request was made that particulars should be obtained of the steamer freights charged from Australia for various classes of produce. I enclose herewith a statement showing the Australian rates, together with the New Zealand rates for several of the classes of produce mentioned. C. J. Reakes, Director-General. The Secretary, Agricultural, Pastoral, and Stock Committee, Parliament Buildings.

Comparison of Freight Rates from Australian Ports to the United Kingdom and New Zealand Ports to the United Kingdom.

APPENDIX I. Copy op Cablegram from the High Commissioner, London, to the Right Hon. the Prime Minister, dated 14th October, 1920. With reference to your telegram of 4th October, my telegram 6th October, after careful inquiry regret reliable information as to actual annual profits unobtainable, as steamship companies are merged into and controlled by big combines, from whose accounts it is impossible to obtain particulars you desire. In addition dividend figures, &c, available to you as per my telegram. 6th October, our brokers have ascertained that Now Zealand Shipping Company dividends have been —year 1913, 10 per cent, with bonus of 56j in shares ; 1914 to 1917, 8 per cent., all free of tax. It has been stated that twenty-three representative passenger steamship lines showed in 1919 Reserve, Fund of 57|- millions on a capitalization of 33| millions, while the average dividend over fourteen years was 9-03 per cent.

Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.—l92o.

Australian Ports. New Zealand Ports. Lamb Beef Muttom togs, pork, veal, boned beef, and sundries in crates Wool, greasy Wool, scoured Butter* Cheese* Tallow and pelts 2d., plus 10 per cent, lfd., plus 10 per cent, lfd., plus 10 per cent. 2d., plus 10 per cent. lfd., plus 10 per cent. lfd., plus 1.0 per cent, (mutton). lfd. 2 8 d. 5s. 4d. box, plus 5 per cent. 1 j-d. lb., plus 5 per cent. 195s. ton weight, plus 10 per cent. lfd lfd 5s. 4d. box, plus 10 per cent, ljd. lb., plus 10 per cent. .. 180s. ton weight .. Hides Preserved meats lid, 120s. ton measurement 120s., ton measurement, plus 10 per cent. Rabbits and poultry 175s. ton measurement, plus 10 per cent. lfd. Sheep-skins * Bein] ; revised, and likely to advance.