Low Rates.

The railway freight rates show some surprisingly low freight cost figures. The basis upon which comparisons are usually made in railway circles is that of the ton-mile. This means when applied to freight, the average charge for conveying one ton of freight a distance of one mile. Applying this figure to the classes of goods carried on the N.Z.R. we find that on the average a ton of each of the following is carried a distance of one mile for less than twopence. The items are:—Fruit, fodder, agricultural lime, New Zealand coal, road metal, lime and coke, New Zealand timber, firewood and fertilisers.

The tariff has been laid down with reference to the general requirements of the country. For instance, on account of the railways being a State-owned concern, advantage has been taken by the Government from time to time to use the railways tariff as a means of protection for the people of the country against imported goods. As an example, timber which is grown in New Zealand is railed at a certain rate. Timber imported to New Zealand is in general charged at this rate with 50 per cent added. Other New Zealand products and locally manufactured goods are also, under certain circumstances, given preferential treatment in this way.