SPEEDY CLEARANCE

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 99, 21 January 1935, Page 10

SPEEDY CLEARANCE

New System of Inspecting Ships at Auckland

AORANGI’S ARRIVAL Dominion Special Service. Auckland, January 20. Handled under the new system of inspection, the Aorangi, which arrived from Vancouver to-day, was cleared at least an hour earlier than she would have been had she been forced to anchor in the stream. The vessel was etill turning round North Head when the customs authorities boarded her at 1.30 p.m., and at 2.15 her passengers were walking on to the wharf. Passengers, ship’s officers and all officials connected with the berthing of ships were enthusiastic about the expeditious arrangements and hoped that they would be' continued. Actually, it being early Sunday afternoon, business men Were not materially benefited by the quick handling of the ship, but it was recognised by experienced travellers that on weekdays a great boon will be conferred on the travelling public. Tlie passengers on the Aorangi were inspected by the ship’s medical officer on Saturday and, there being no cases of sickness, a radio to that effect was sent to the port health officer, who in his turn gave permission for the customs to board the ship in the stream. In their zeal to make the most of the new arrangements they were down off North Head long before the ship arrived and the vessel was boarded without coming to a standstill “The landing arrangements were splendid,” said Mr. J. C. Irons, general manager of the Canadian Australasian Line. Limited, who was a passenger on the vessel. “It is certainly a step in the right direction and one that overseas passengers are sure to appreciate."