HOPE TO RELIEVE PORT CONGESTION IN WELLINGTON

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23091, 2 November 1949, Page 8

HOPE TO RELIEVE PORT CONGESTION IN WELLINGTON

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 1. Steps taken to deal with congestion in the Port of Wellington were outlined in a supplied statement today by the chairman of the Aid for Britain National Council. Mr. F. P. Walsh, who expressed the council's appreciation of the co-operation bv all concerned in meeting the short term shipping and cargo difficulties. Mr. Walsh said that the following report on the port congestion had been submitted to the Prime Minister, Mr. P. Fraser, who instructed members of the Cabinet directly concerned to take the necessary measures to ease the position. A special meeting of the Wellington cargo control committee had been called and complete agreement was reached on a number of measures, including the immediate clearance of a quantity of goods in the docks area belonging to Government departments and an appeal was made to importers to take the earliest possible delivery of their goods. As a result, said Mr. Walsh, the congestion should be re duced to the minimum and normal working conditions restored at an early date.

Mr. 'Walsh added that the position would be closely watched to see whether further emergency action would be justified to assist in clearing the port.