152 THE BOOK OF MARKET GARDENING 



in half-ton lots. He very truthfully remarked that the 

 difference in the two prices was certainly not due to 

 the amount required by his Company for their share of 

 the transaction. On some of the lines which cover a 

 shorter distance, the average rate is only one-half of 

 the above, namely, one-twelfth of id. per pound. By 

 passenger train the rates are necessarily higher, but 

 the advantages are proportionately greater ; and where 

 there is sufficient trade to justify the needful provision 

 of vans, 24 lb. packages of fruit can be conveyed at an 

 average rate of |d. per pound up to 200 miles, or one-third 

 of id. per pound in 5 cwt. lots for the same distance. 

 Obviously in such cases there is little room for com- 

 plaint as to charges, and if these were made uniform on 

 all lines and in all districts a considerable help would be 

 rendered to thousands of growers. 



Consignments in larger weights, from I to 5 tons, can 

 be conveyed at still lower rates, and in this direction 

 co-operation amongst growers would produce sub- 

 stantial pecuniary results. Well-organised combination 

 might be turned to excellent purpose, but it is a means 

 of which British agriculturists and horticulturists have 

 not as yet fully availed themselves. 



Lord Onslow's Departmental Committee, in present- 

 ing their Report, furnished a series of summarised 

 recommendations for the improvement of the railway 

 traffic as regards fruit, which are worth repetition here 

 as a guide to those who wish to promote the business 

 relations between the great carrying companies and the 

 growers. They are as follows : — 



That it is highly desirable a more simple and 

 uniform system of rates for fruit be introduced by 

 Railway Companies. This can be done without a 

 statutory re-classification with the assistance of the 

 Board of Trade. 



That Railway Companies should make greater 



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