HARBOUR CHARGES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 114, 13 May 1908, Page 5

HARBOUR CHARGES.

* INCREASED RATES AT WELLINGTON Wellington has been frequently quoted in connection with the present discussion as to the equipment of our wharves with electric cranes. The Wellington Harbour Board acts as receiver of all the merj chandise passing over its wharves, and . makes a fixed charge per ton for handling j the goods. A charge of a fixed amount per hour is also made for the use of the I wharf cranes. It is interesting to note I that the Board has had recently to make \ a very general advance in its scale of ! payments. The new tariff came into I operation on April 1. Under it ! the cost of using the cranes is increased from 3/6 per hour to 5/, and from 14/ (if shifting is necessary) to £1. The use of the '-hatchway jiggers'" will now be charged at 3/ per hour, instead of 2.1. as in the pas*, and the rates for shifting have also been raised from 10/ to 14/. Turning to the Board's charges for handling cargo, we find the following increases: Timber, per 100 ft. 2d and lid to 3d anc I2d respectively; hops, flour, grain, etc. j2/ to 2/6 to 2/6 and 3/,- other goods 2/6 to 3/; goods not otherwise provider ■ for (wharfage), 2/ and 1/ to 2/6 and 1/ j and good not otherwise, provided fo: I (wharfage to the Railway Department) 11/ and 6d to 1/3 and 6d. Minor increase: are announced in connection with tin transhipment of wool and with respect tt the harbour improvement rate.

DRIVING SHIPPING AWAY. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The Wellington Harbour Board has for some time been increasing its charges on shipping, notwithstanding warnings. A notable instance of this policy was a resolution to construct a dock to compete with other ports. The contention of its supporters was that shipping was not paving enough, and could well bear the cost. It is now stated that two shipping companies are thinking of making Lyttelton their principal port of arrival and departure in consequence of increased charges here. The '"New Zealand Times," commenting on thi- advised the Board to be vers careful what they are doing in the waj of increasing charges to shipping.

The 7.50 ajn. train to the Waikato was delayed for about forty-five minutes at Newmarket this morning, owing to a mishap to a holt on the engine, which was one of the new comtpound class. Another engine had to be gßMßxed,