SERIOUS PROBLEM

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 126, 30 April 1941, Page 6

SERIOUS PROBLEM

CONGESTION ON* WHARVES. (Press Assn.) WELLINGTON, April 29 A conference of representatives ot shipping and commercial interests and Government Departments called by the Wellington Harbour Board to discuss ways and means ot relieving the present serious congestion of cargo in the board's wharf sheds in order that es sential and adequate space might be made available tor the more rapid reception and delivery ol cargo was held to-day. The main aspects of the prob lem were discussed and an advisors committee set up to investigate it m more detail. The chairman of the Harbour Board (Mr W. L. Fitzherbert), who presided, said lie would like to make it clear that the hoard’s sheds were for the temporary storage of goods in transit only and were not intended to he used lor the storage of goods beyond the reasonable period necessary for importers to comply with,the usual formalities in regard to the requirements of the Customs Department and the obtaining and lodgment of shipping papers. “At present," said Dfr Fitzherbert, “goods are remaining in the board’s sheds for long periocls. with the result tiiat the accumulating of goods has reached a position which, if not immediately relieved, will mean that insufficient accommodation will be. available for the handling of inward cargoes, with the consequent serious interference with the effort heing made to give the utmost possible quick turnround to overseas vessels so vitally necessary at present.” It was pointed nut in the discussion that the difficulties had been accentuated by the centralisation of shipping That had meant, that more spao<* had been required in the wharf sheds for tlm assembly of cargo from and to other ports in addition to the normal amount consigned to Wellington. Tt was decided to set up ail advisory committee to go more closely into the questions raised and to endeavour to arrive at a solution of the difficulties. The committee comprises: Messrs A. L. Wall (Wellington Chamber of Commerce). R. J. Gray’(Collector of Customs). W. T. J. Blyth (Wellington Carriers’ Association), J. Sawors (Assistant General Dlanager of the Railways Department). Barton Ginger (Wellington Customs Agents) and Captain Congdon. Dfr Wall was elected chairman.