NEW MEASURES

Evening Post, Volume C, Issue 22, 26 July 1920, Page 8

NEW MEASURES

TO CHECK PILLAGING.

"The loss involved through the fraudulent disappearance of cargo," runs a circular issued by the Harbour Board, "has now reached such serious dimensions that in the interests of all concerned I have thought it advisable, on the board's behalf, to' approach the Wellington importers and solicit their co-operation in a serious effort to combat this growing evil." The circular is signed by Captain Hale Munro, Traffic Manager and Chief .Wharfinger.

The circular goes on to state that "our initial efforts should be in the direction of discovering, if possible, the point at which the loss occurs, and the closing of every possible avenue of fraud." It is proposed to issue triplicate receipts for cargo. Adoption of a standard method of ■ checking cargo is suggested for the importing firms, independently of the Harbour Board's check.

It is further proposed that the boMd should be confidentially advised of missing or pilaged cargo, so that importera ■shipping companies, tho board, and others concerned may be able to "frustrate the efforts of those concerned in the fraudulent transactions, and, if possible, to locate the place of disappearance."

A claims and inquiry bureau is to be established by the board.

The proposals have been approved by the Importers' Committee of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce.