1967 WHARF CHARGES

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31776, 5 September 1968, Page 6

1967 WHARF CHARGES

Concern At Delay

The New Zealand European Shipping Association told the Lyttelton Harbour Board yesterday that it shared its concern at the delay in completing the 1967 review of wbarfhandling charges. Shipowners were required to finance the continuing deficits in the wharf-handling charges funds, a letter from tbe association said.

The Waterfront Industry Commission had advised that it hoped to complete the review by the end of September, the letter said. It was desirable that the national review should be completed before individual port charges were varied because there was a further review of freight rate adjustmnts to take place which would have an effect on the ultimate charges. The association also agreed with the board that future reviews of wharf-handling costs should be made more frequently, and said it had taken this up with Government nominees.

Cargo Drop.—With one month of the board’s financial year left, the tonnage of goods handled up to the end of August—l,427,7o9—is 100,505 tons below that at the corresponding time last year. Imports, at 958,094 tons are down by 98,418 tons, while exports of 489,815 show a drop of only 2089 tons. Mr E. Brophy, chairman of the finance committee, said a drop of about $30,000 in revenue had been matched by economies in all departments. Speed Limit—Because of the high volume of traffic on No. 1 Breastwork, the board imposed a speed restriction of five miles an hour. Mr Amos thought the limit was too low. Mr W. P. Glue commented: “If you make it five they will do 10.” The board agreed to the limit after being told it had been requested by the traffic department