WHARF SHEDS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 109, 10 May 1941, Page 10

WHARF SHEDS

TO EASE CONGESTION

PROMPT RELEASE OF GOODS j I (P.A.) WELLINGTON. Friday. To ease congestion in wharf sheds, special provision has been made by the Customs Department to facilitate delivery of importers' goods arriving at New Zealand ports before the j documents relating to them. In a letter to the Associated Cham- j hers of Commerce, the Comptroller of Customs. Mr. F. D. Good, says that, where the delivery of goods is authorised on condition that they will be held intact pending the pro-, duction of the documents necessary to enable entry of the goods to be j completed, and the importer is prepared to arrange for goods to be' examined by a Customs officer and a ; complete inventory made thereof in ! his presence, collectors of Customs | may. upon being satisfied that the revenue and any other provisions of ; the law are safeguarded, authorise release or goods from the condition ! mentioned. The Wellington Harbour Board called a conference last month of representatives of shipping and commercial interests to discuss wavs of relieving congestion in wharf sheds. An advisory committee was appointed with Mr. A. L. Wall as chairman. Mr. Wall said to-day thr.t the committee had met twice and thoroughly investigated the causes of congestion. All parties, banks, waterside workers and shipping companies were cooperating to ease the situation, and suggestions would soon be put before importers about ways in which they could assist. "I am convinced the solution lies in every importer doing everything in his power to find out whether any goods belonging to him arc in the sheds, and then, if they are, to get them out." said Mr. Wall. "'Merchants must realise that wharf sheds arc not storage sheds." The action of the Customs Department in waiving the condition applying to delivery without documents indicated that it was prepared to help, and it would be appreciated by the commercial community. In his letter to the Associated Chambers, the Comptroller of Customs also said: 'While every endeavour will be made to meet the convenience of importers, it will be understood that examination of goods can be made only at a time suitable to the Department, having regard to other duties devolving on officers. It is possible, therefore, that any such examination may require to be made outside ordinary office hours. It will be understood alfo that entry of goods must be completed immediately the necessary documents are available. This procedure will be applicable at all ports."