CONGESTION OF CARGO

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 124, 26 April 1941, Page 10

CONGESTION OF CARGO

WELLINGTON WHARF STORAGE. WELLINGTON, April 24. Serious congestion in the wharf sheds resulting in delay in the turning round, of overseas ships was disclosed l>v several members at last : night’s meeting of the Wellington Harbour Hoard. The upshot of the discussion which ensued was that a conference is to be summoned without delay in an effort to remedy the position revealed. Air M. A. Eliott said the congestion in the sheds astounded and alarmed him He was the representative of a primary producing area vitally concerned with the quick turning-round of ships, but what he had seen must hamper this objective. He had not seen such congestion previously in 14 years of board membership. There should be an immediate conference of all parties concerned to remedy the situation. Even shed accommodation reserved for wool had io be utilised. Once, 90 per cent, of cargo was no sooner in the sheds than delivery was taken;.now the reverse percentage was the position. There were instances where cargo could not be delivered because it was covered up with other cargo. Tens of thousands of pounds of goods on the cost of which interest was being paid, and which the public wanted urgently, were in the stores. It was a most serious position. He i moved for an immediate conference.

The chairman (Air AV. L. Fitzherbert) said" that the board was empowered by its by-laws, when congestion occurred, to require delivery to Ikj taken at 24 hours’ notice. Failing; this, a penal rate of 2s a ton forj general cargo and Cd a bale_ for wool' could be imposed. The question would have to be tackled at once. In his opinion, no one in particular was to blame; it was largely a question of the difficulties arising from importers not having the necessary papers to clear goods. A conference was necessary to agree on a specific plan to ease the strain on the sheds. On Air Eliott’s motion it was decided to hold a conference of several representatives of the board and one each of the Chamber of Commerce, importers, shipping companies, Customs Department. banks, Farmers' Union, carriers, and waterside workers.