Nov. 13.] THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE. 3279

GENERAL—continued.

3. Except in the case of goods carried by measurement, the words “rate and a quarter,” “rate and a half,” or “double rate” mean that the appropriate rate shall be increased by one-fourth, or by one-half, or doubled, as the case may be. When charges are computed on measurement, such increase of the classified or local rate shall not apply except in the case of dangerous goods. Where goods are specified in Regulation 68 at a classified rate less one-quarter, one-half, or other fraction, or a percentage reduction, and where goods are in the particular case chargeable at a local rate on measurement or at a local rate which exceeds the classified rate, the local rate will be reduced to the extent appropriate to the classified rate.

4. When goods are classified at “rate and a quarter,” “rate and a half,” or “double rate,” and are charged on double dead-weight instead of measurement on port lines, the basic rate will be increased by one-quarter or one-half or will be doubled (as the case may be): Provided that the charges shall not be greater than if computed at single rate on the total measurement. In the case of goods classified at “rate and a quarter,” “rate and a half,” or “double rate,” and charged on half-measurement, the basic rate shall not be increased: Provided that the charges shall not be less than if computed on double dead-weight at the increased rate.

5. Except as otherwise provided, where a rate is specified as being for a minimum quantity the rate so specified applies only to quantities of not less than the weight specified: but where the charges for the minimum weight specified amount to less than charges on actual weight at the higher rate prescribed for smaller quantities than the specified minimum, the charges as for the minimum quantity at the lower rate shall apply.

6. Wherever an alternative charge is specified, it is intended that the lower charge shall be taken, unless otherwise provided.

7. All goods chargeable on weight will be charged at actual gross weight of 2,240 lb. to the ton.

8. When goods are packed for carriage, the weight or measurement of the consignment will include the weight or dimensions of the case or packing used, provided that the charge shall not be less than for such case or other packing when consigned alone.

9. Except when inconsistent with the context or otherwise expressly stated “measurement” means cubic measurement. Whenever charges are based on measurement and are to be computed at a rate per unit of weight, such measurement shall be commuted into weight at the rate of 40 cubic feet to the ton.

10. Except where otherwise specified, a rate per truck refers to a four-wheeled truck, and except as aforesaid, a bogie truck will, in computing charges at a rate per truck, be charged at twice the rate for a four-wheeled truck.

11. Where an insulated wagon is specially ordered and supplied for the conveyance of goods, the charges will be computed on a minimum weight of 30 cwt. in respect of each four-wheeled insulated wagon.

12. Charges collected on Behalf of Consignors.

When notice of charges to be collected from a consignee of goods on behalf of the consignor of such goods is given to and accepted by the Department such acceptance shall in every case be expressly subject to the condition that though the Department will use reasonable care for the collection of such amounts before the goods are delivered up by the Department to the consignee, the Department gives no guarantee that such charges will be collected by it. In particular every person desiring the Department to collect charges on his behalf shall be deemed to have agreed to be bound by all the rules and practice of the Department in connection with the collection of moneys, either in respect of the granting of credit accounts or otherwise.

122. Refunds and Adjustments on Freights.

123. Except where a special arrangement is entered into, a commission of 2½ per cent. will be charged on all amounts collected by the Department on behalf of express companies and forwarding agents, coach and steamship companies, picnic parties, racing or sports clubs, or any other persons or bodies. Minimum charge, 3d.

124. A deduction of 10 per cent. (minimum 1s., maximum 5s.) may be made on all sums payable by the Department by way of refund not being sums coming within the provision of the first paragraph of this regulation, unless it is shown that the Department is entirely responsible for the circumstances giving rise to the refund in each case.

125. In cases where a charge of 2s. 6d. per wagon is enforced, as provided in paragraph 23 of Regulation 116 no further deduction will be made as provided in paragraph 2 of this regulation.

126. Where wrong declarations of weight or other errors are made by consignors or senders which give rise to overcharges necessitating adjustments in freight by the Department, either before or after delivery at the destination station, a deduction of 10 per cent. (minimum 1s., maximum 5s.) may be made on all sums payable by the Department by way of refunds in connection with such adjustments.

127. Traffic to or from Stations or Sidings where there is no Stationmaster.

128. Traffic tendered for transport from or to a station or siding where there is no Stationmaster in charge will be accepted for transport and will be left at the station or siding only at the risk of the owner.

129. Freight on traffic consigned to a station or a siding where there is no Stationmaster in charge must be prepaid unless the consignee has a ledger account with the Department.

130. Explosive goods will not be accepted at, or delivered to, a station or a siding where there is no Stationmaster in charge unless by special arrangement with the Department.