68 



Railway Rates. 



[may, 



able to make as to the practical steps which might be taken by 

 those for whose advantage arrangements such as those referred 

 to are devised. 



3. Loss and Damage of Produce conveyed at Oivners Risk. 



Representations have from time to time been received by the 

 Board as to the hardship which arises in cases in which consign- 

 ments of agricultural produce are lost or damaged, in con- 

 sequence of the negligence or misconduct of the servants of a 

 Railway Company, but in which no compensation is recoverable 

 by the consignor owing to the fact that the goods were carried 

 at less than the normal rate and at his own risk. It is of course 

 to be remembered that the consignor in such a case has con- 

 tracted himself out of any right to look to the Company for 

 redress, but at the same time it is easy to understand that a 

 considerable sense of hardship is excited if this view of the 

 matter is adhered to, whatever may be the fault of the servants 

 of the Company. 



The Board understand that the Companies have decided that 

 they will consider claims in respect of the total loss in transit, 

 and that they will not refuse to make reasonable compensation 

 in such cases, contributory negligence on the part of the senders 

 or consignees being of course taken into consideration. 



It is also understood that the Companies will consider 

 favourably cases where partial loss or damage arises from cir- 

 cumstances which indicate extreme negligence on the part of 

 their servants. 



There can be no doubt that concessions of this character, 

 administered in a reasonable spirit, would remove a painful 

 cause of controversy and friction. Lord Onslow desires to bring 

 the matter under the notice of your Company, and to express 

 the hope that it may receive careful consideration if it has not 

 already done so. 



4. Provision of Special Waggons, or Waggons suitable for 

 Particular Classes of Traffic. 



The Board have received several complaints with regard to 

 the failure of Companies to provide special waggons for stock, 

 in cases in which a higher charge for carriage has been payable, 



