Aerial Freight

War.

Developments on New Guinea Goldfields.

From Our Own Correspondent.

WAU, March 21.

ANOTHER move in the aerial trans port freight war in New Guinea occurred on March 16, when Guinea

Airways Ltd. issued the following cir

cular; — On and from Thursday, 17th instant, the following terms will come into operation for all consignors by the Company’s aircraft operating from Lae or Salamaua to the Wau, These terms will apply to all cargo suitable for hand load ing, which means single cases or items under two hundred lbs. in weight. (a) Based jn a standard net rate of six pence per lb. (which will not be increased except for economic reasons beyond the Company’s control, such as fluctuations in international ex change, or additional taxation, etc.) a cash, re bate of twopence per lb. (making the effective rate fourpence per lb.) will be granted forth with.

This rebate will continue in force for a period of three calendar months to the 16th of June next inclusive on all cargo carried, provided payment of accounts is made by the 20th of the month following that in which freight charges were incurred. (6) On the 16th of June next a further an nouncement will be published in respect of what ever rebate is to be generally applicable for the succeeding three months up till mid-Sep tember.

Such furtfher rebate may remain at two pence per lb., or be increased or reduced ac cording to circumstances. (c) The Company is now prepared to offer three-year contracts (if signed on or before the 30th April next) to any companies or indi viduals. All such contracts will provide for a peimanent rebate of one penny per lb. (i.e., to five pence per lb.).

In addition to this offer, any special rebates such as are mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this circular will be made to apply to such contracts as though no contracts existed.

The intention is that no long-term contrac tors shall lose any special benefits which may subsequently be granted by the Company from time to time to other consignors.

This circular supplies an answer to those people who suggested that

Guinea Airways Ltd. was simply try

ing to get its opposition out of the way, and would then increase freights

again.

Guinea Airways’ circular was used as a basis for a circular issued by Pacific Aerial Transport, offering the same rates, except that the net rate is to be sd. per lb., less 1d. for pay

ment of account by the 20th of the following month.

P.A.T. is offering three years’ con tracts, with the same advantages as G. A.; but whereas G.A. have stated that these freight rates apply only to packages or articles of up to 200 lbs. weight, P.A.T. grant their new terms irrespective of size or weight.

Some amusement has been caused at the Bulolo Hotel, where the circulars of both companies are posted side by side, by the appearance of another notice posted above them—presumably by Les Holden, the other aviation con tractor, quoting the words of the popu lar song: Wherever you go, Whatever you do, I want you to know.

I’m following you.

Freight at 4d. per lb. is considered fair by all parties on the field, but some of us are doubtful whether this price will remain long. However, it would appear that we have definitely got away from the 1/- per lb. rate, and the miners on the field will no doubt be able to spend more time prospect ing now that they are able to obtain cheaper goods.