WHARF VISITORS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 185, 7 August 1935, Page 12

WHARF VISITORS.

ADMISSION CHARGE.

BOARD REVERSES DECISION

RATE OF SIXPENCE TO BE PAID

On the motion of the chairman, Mr. C. G. Macindoe, the Auckland Harbour Board decided yesterday to amend a bylaw and increase from 3d to Cd the toll charge for people visiting the wharves in connection with the arrival and departure of ellipe.

The charge of tid was strongly opposed by Mr. J. Sayegh, who said that it was not imposed at other largo ports. He said that it was ridiculous that the board should make a decision at one meeting and at the next meeting reverse it.

Mr. J. B. Donald considered that a charge of 3d would be sufficient, and a concession to the poorer classes. It had been suggested that when the Monowai left for the lelands the work was interfered with, but probably there would have been the- same number there irrespective of the charge. Rate Not Excessive. Mr. H. Turner said that the charge of Cd was not excessive, but there was need on the wharves for more protection from vhe weather and rain. It wai not a question of keeping people away from the boats. It was a charge made for people who wanted to get close to the boats to see their friends off. Ife did not think that Cd was too much if people were given reasonable facilities, but he hoped that the board would make the improvements that were necessary. Mr. H. Luke said that it was a deplorable thing that the board had made a haety decision and now found it necessary' to reverse it, as £500 a year was lost to the board by the reduction, and they could do a lot more good with the amount than by giving 3d back to the public. Efficiency of the Port. Mr. W. B. Darlow said that the efficiency of the port had to come first, and it should not be looked upon as a revenue producer. Mr. T. Bloodworth said that it seemed to be much ado about nothing very much. Mr. M. H. Wynyard said that they had made a previous decision, but since then they had reports from the Stevedores' Association. The chairman (Mr. C. G. Macindoe) said that since their previous decision the matter had been looked into and it was realised that a mistake had been made. After their previous decision the board had received complaints; they had also to consider the views of their officials. Mr. Turner's suggestion that more shelter should be provided was a good one, and would meet with the approval of the board, as something in that direction should be done. It was not a matter of revenue in any shape or form.