7o 



Railway Rates. 



[may, 



In these circumstances Lord Onslow desires me to enquire 

 whether the proposal commends itself to your Company, and 

 whether they would be prepared to afford facilities for the 

 purpose. If so the Board would propose to arrange Con- 

 ferences of the kind between such persons and at such places 

 -and times as might be found to be mutually convenient. At 

 these Conferences complaints and suggestions made by indi- 

 vidual agriculturists could, amongst other things, be taken into 

 •consideration. 



6. Issue of Information and Advice. 



It is of considerable importance that the arrangements made 

 by the various Companies for the carriage of agricultural pro- 

 duce and requisites should be brought to the knowledge of 

 farmers in a clear and simple form, and that assistance and 

 advice should from time to time be given by the Companies 

 •in order that consignments may reach their destination cheaply, 

 expeditiously, and in good marketable condition. Useful work 

 has recently been done in this direction by the issue of special 

 pamphlets and notices cn the subject. Lord Onslow would be 

 ;glad if this matter might also be considered, and to learn 

 whether you think that the Board themselves could be of any 

 •assistance with regard to it ; for example, by the issue of 

 information in a convenient form to County Councils, Chambers 

 of Agriculture, Farmers' Clubs, Agricultural Societies, and other 

 bodies likely to be able to give publicity to it in their respective 

 districts. The Board would be very glad to co-operate with 

 your Company in the issue of any information as to the 

 packing and consignment of produce which would be likely to 

 be of service to those concerned. 



7. Foreign and Coloitial Produce. 



An impression undoubtedly exists in agricultural circles that 

 foreign and Colonial agricultural produce is conveyed from the 

 ports to the great centres of consumption at rates which compare 

 favourably with those charged for the carriage of British 

 produce from inland stations. The evidence which has, from 

 time to time, been adduced in support of this belief is not of a 



