To the Editor of the Sm,—I addressed you on the above subject a few weeks ago. Ido not flatter myself that it is in consequence of my remarks, but the fact remains that rates have been reduced from 40s, to 35s. So far so good, but the main point of my argument has been entirely missed.
Shippers have hitherto shipped to London with the privilege of having their cargo forwarded on to New York without extra charge. This year an additional charge of 5 shillings per ton has been made. 'This in itself is perhaps reasonable and shippers have' submitted without cavil. It was however expected that when the rate to New York was reduced tw 30s. rates London would follow the reduction. What are the facts After much hesitation shipping agents have ungraceiully submitted to a paltry reduction of 5s., but have added an additional 2s, 6d. on to cargo forwarded to New York. Rates are now to New York direct 30s. w York vid London 42s. 6d., to London direct Whether it is crass ignorance or sheer obstinacy on the part of shipping agents I know not, but it does not require a lar amount of intelligence to see that the inevitable consequence of this irregularity in rates must be to direct a large quantity of cargo to New York direct which would otherwise be shipped vid London. highly reunmerative rates of freight and Shippers have for years past bee yesing should be entitled to some consideration. Lan, ete.,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.