CUT PROPOSED IN PORT CARGO RATE

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31923, 26 February 1969, Page 10

CUT PROPOSED IN PORT CARGO RATE

A cut from $3.72 to $3.15 a ton in the inward general cargo handling rate for Cashin Quay is proposed by overseas shipping lines and will come into force on March 24 if approved by Government nominees. Another proposal is that wharf handling charges in the inner harbour at Lyttelton should rise from $l.OB to $1.25. These decisions were announced at a meeting yesterday morning of representatives of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, the Canterbury Manufacturers’ Association and the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce. The board's chairman (Mr F. I. Sutton) said after the meeting that the existing Cashin Quay rate into stack, including cargo delivered under the hook, was $l.BO, and the proposed charge was $1.65. The Cashin Quay de-

i livery figure was $1.92, and I the new rate would be $1.50. Mr Sutton said that it was ' hoped that the 1967 deficits I would be wiped out by the i end of this year, and the sur- ’ charges removed. They had been in force since 1966, and amounted to 10c for the i inner harbour, and a total of ■ 67c for Cashin Quay. i “It is gratifying to know that the Cashin Quay charges ■ will be reduced, and they • will then compare with the Auckland and Wellington charges," he said. An announcement on wharf handling charges for outward cargo is expected to . be made in Wellington in about 10 days’ time. Little change is likely in the 17c a bale wool rate. The present rate for inner harbour outward cargo is $1.17, and $2.12 for Cashin Quay.