GOVERNMENT STEAMER.

Grey River Argus, 24 August 1928, Page 5

GOVERNMENT STEAMER.

BLUNDERING MANAGEMENT. “MAUI POMARE” TROUBLES. Ereas WELLINGTON, August- 23. A dispute is going on between Harbour Boards and the Gjvernmcui. as io the latter’s refusal lo pay port charges and dues on the M.aui i omare. The Minister claims it is exempt like other Gov< rumen t vessels. Toe Wellington Board, contends that if the Government, finds it necesary to a sist the Cook Islands, the losses incurred should be a charge on the Consolidated Fund, and not full on Harbour Boards. Other Government vessels lira not engaged in trade, and uo ntft require facilities for handling cargo. Other trading concerns of the Government paid ordinary changes, and. no exception should be wade this case. The Minister, in reply, said the Government had stepped in where [»risate enterprise had failed, and theii Venture was likely to be run at a financial loss for some time lo cow . He was, however, prepared to pay harbour dues as far as services wi.k Niue and Sami>a were concerned, provided the Board refunded any payments by way of port charges, bertu age and harbourmaster’s fees. In the discussion on this reply members stood firm and charactt rised the claim as extraordinary, unjustified, unfair, and introducing the thin edge of the| wedge. Resolutions werepassed refusing to agree with the principles get out in the Minister’s letter, and drawing up a remit for the next Harbour Boards’ Conference to the effect that Government vessels carry-freight-earning cargoes, should pay the same harbour dues as the ordinary trading vceself.