Inquiry Into Ports’ Efficiency

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30725, 14 April 1965, Page 3

Inquiry Into Ports’ Efficiency

AZ. Press Association)

AUCKLAND. April 13. The Government will set up a commission to inquire into and advise on future ports development and on the efficient movement of goods to, through and from ports.

The Minister of Labour (Mr Shand) announced a wide order of reference for the commission when the Exports and Shipping Council met for the first time in Auckland today.

The commission, looking 20 years ahead, will submit its reports—which may be issued from time to time during its life —to the Minister of Transport. The selection of the three or four members of the threeyear commission would begin immediately, said Mr Shand. The decision to set up the commission followed recommendations in the streamlining report which the Exports and Shipping Council had asked the Government to implement. Although the order of reference represented a degree of compromise by all parties it had their unanimous approval. said Mr Shand. He emphasised to the council that the Government expected the council's own 1

I committee, which is considerjing immediate and short-term solutions to problems in the field to be covered by the commission, to continue in operation. Mr Shand said the commis- | sion’s functions fell into three groups. “The first concerns the production of factual information on future developments, the lack of which has in the past embarrassed transport authorities, and harbour boards in particular, in planning for development,” he said. He hoped some means would be found to make sure such information would be continuously avaiitable in the future. I The other functions conIcerned the necessary' develop-

ment of ports and directlyrelated facilities, and the development of transport facilities to and from the ports. Looking Ahead . The order of reference lays down that the commission will have regard to the likely growth of demand for ports transport during the next 20 years. This will involve considering production of primary produce for export, location of primary produce processing plants and cool stores and the location of industrial plants, including those in the pulp and paper, steel, aluminium and fertiliser industries. Other considerations included the growth of import cargoes, scheduling ships to reduce ports of call but increase loadings and unloadings, and coastal shipping cargo movements. The commission will study port development, including development priorities between ports in the national interest, and specify the main developments required at each port. To ensure a smooth, efficient flow of goods to and from ports, the commission will study internal transport systems and the most suitable types for cargoes. The commission is also to outline how its recommendations should be carried out, including establishing any

organisation which might be necessary.

It will examine proposals for two-port discharging and loading and the effects on deliveries and internal transport costs, as well as whether the present methods of approving capital spending for port development works should be altered. The commission will also make independent reports on existing ports’ transport systems, methods by which costs of cargo handling by ports’ transport can be reduced (particularly those involving payment from overseas funds), and the effects of greater use of unit-systems of cargo handling and of the development of special cargo handling equipment.