PORT CHARGES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2125, 26 February 1908, Page 1

PORT CHARGES.

DEPUTATION TO HARBOR BOARD A special mooting was hold by tlic Harbor Hoard yesterday afternoon to confirm the resolution: “Wool., diunpod, landed in Gisborne lor transhipment in Harbor, water borne, per bale, Is.” A deputation consisting of Messrs J'. AY. (Bright-, J. B. Kells, A. S. Waehsmann, A. E. Kennedy and C. 1). Bennett waited on the Board in reference to the matter. Mr Bright saitl that the mercantile (inns wished to do all they could to further advance the interests ol the port and wished to t-alce no aggressive -action, hut they asked that the rate ibe reduced from Is to 3d, so that the wool could lie shipped as cheaply here as. at Auckland. The wool not only, provided cargo for the steamers visiting but provided labor. The matter luufbren thoroughly gone into -by tho coast people and it would thus go to other ports. The linns wished to retain tho volume of business hero. Very large development was taking place on the coast and if their wool was treated dilforcntly to tlie local product, the port’s trade would suffer materially. Ho urged, in the strongest manner possible, that the Board make the alteration for the prestige of the port. . Mr Kennedy endorsed Mr Bright’s remarks. The first result of this rato was that his firm sent- a load of wool to .Napier which would otherwise have come to Gisborno. It did not affect the firms themselves, but they had to study the interests of their clients, Regarding undumped wool, the advantage to tho port was that of tho labor and expenditure of money in Gisborne. If this penal rate was to be imposed, the wool must be transhipped to another port and they hoped the Board would consider the matter. If the- Hauniri missed the wool steamer, 9d would have to be paid here and this could be avoided by going to Napier. . This deputation was not an interested one, but an advisory one. . In reply to Mr Harris, Mr Kennedy stated that the charge from the coast to Napier was as cheap as to here. Tho chairman thanked tho deputation and said that the Board would consider the matter. There seemed to have risen an idea that people must ibring the wool hero whatever was charged and this actuated tho Board. They desired to do all they could to forward the trade of - the port and he thought their request would bo acceded to. The deputation then withdrew. The chairman remarked that a letter had been received in regard to tho matter, hut it came too late. Tlie secretary stated that wool cost 3d a bale‘if shipped in tlie inner or outer harbor at Napier, but Gd if landed for dumping purposes only. Mr AVhinray slid that they were asking 'for an unfair thing. Mr Harris suggested an adjournment to some future time. Mr Harris said that tho merchants should have spoken when the tariff was being altered. The chairman said that it was a point that had never cropped up before here, and lie proposed that, the question be adionrned until next

meeting. This would be the wisest course and there was another paragraph in the -by-laws which needed alterations.

Air Siovwright said tbit if they could get the trade to come to Gisborne by equalising this matter, they had better do it, but still ,they should exercise care. Mr AVhinray was agreeable to an adjournment/ He could quite understand tho deputation feeling strongly ou the matter and it was unfair to the- local people who had to pay the shilling. They should not overlook' tho fact that the coast people objected lo coininpr in, they paid no- rates, but- tliev ws fed tlie use of the port, Air SievwnJU:- -asked what it*mattered if they got the trade. The chairmui was sorry that the question of rates had been introduced. The AVaiapu Council was liable for every -penny of the rates until tho loan was paid I off, and being liable for rates they are therefore entitled

to use the harbor without any specific restrictions. The Board had no power to strike a new rate. They were paying for the present -harbor and they had tlie right to use it as much as Gisborne people. It was absolute nonsense to talk of their being relieved of the rates. The adjournment was agreed to. CATTLE FREIGHT.

Mr A. iS. Waclismann, manager for Dalgoty and Co., wrote in reference to 'freight on cattle. His firm intended sending 500 yearling cattle from Napier at a 4s freight, hut upon making enquiry, they found that wharfage here was os per head and consequently they had to be driven overland. They hoped the Board could see its way to modify the rate in the near future. The chairman remarked that this matter needed attention. It must have been some error. 'He moved that it he referred to the Tariff Committee to report to next meeting. Mr Sievwright seconded the motion, which was carried.