I904-] 



Railway Rates. 



67 



their produce if special rates, on a mileage scale, were charged 

 for small consignments of butter, cream, cheese, eggs, honey 

 flowers, seeds (garden and agricultural), fruit, vegetables, mush- 

 rooms, fresh meat, game, rabbits, and poultry, sent by passenger 

 train. Some of the Companies have already made concessions 

 of importance in this direction, and Lord Onslow would be glad 

 if your own Company would take the matter into their favour- 

 able consideration, with a view to giving to farmers on their lines 

 the best possible facilities of the kind. In any case he would be 

 obliged if you would supply him with a copy of the scale of 

 charges at present made by your Company for the carriage of 

 parcels of the character of those in question. 



2. Aggregation of Mixed Consignments. 



The information in the possession of the Board points to the 

 great importance of the aggregation of produce in such a way 

 as to secure for consignors the benefit of the lower rates charged, 

 for the carriage of large consignments. 



Lord Onslow's attention has been called to the fact that 

 certain Companies have been good enough to give special 

 attention to this matter, and to promise lower rates for lots of 

 one ton, two tons, and three tons and upwards as compared with 

 smaller lots, and that where mixed consignments are forwarded 

 from one station to another station by one consignor or to one 

 consignee (one of whom will pay the carriage), the charge will 

 be upon the gross weight of the consignment, so that traders 

 obtain the benefit of lower rates if the minimum quantity is 

 made up by a combination of various articles, or a number of 

 senders entrust the duty of consigning to one of their body or 

 to an independent agent. 



It is understood that the local representatives of many of the 

 Companies have been instructed to confer with intending 

 senders, when desired, and to afford such information and 

 advice in regard to the matter as will enable them to take full 

 advantage of the lower rates for large quantities. 



Arrangements such as these should be of considerable service 

 to agriculturists, and Lord Onslow would be glad to learn that 

 your Company would be prepared to afford similar facilities. 

 He would also be obliged by any suggestions which you may be 



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