To Pay Dues On Cement Shipped For U.S.

Northern Advocate, 17 March 1944, Page 4

To Pay Dues On Cement Shipped For U.S.

The Treasury has decided to pay to the Whangarei Harbour Board 75 per cent, of the normal harbour board charges in respect of cement shipped and loaded in the Whangarei harbour, involving a claim of £785. At the February meeting of the board the secretary reported that the Treasury had paid the sum of £ 153, being the amount claimed for port dues and harbour improvement rates on a consignment of cement loaded by a United States ship, and that negotiations were still proceeding regarding a claim totalling £785 representing dues incurred by New Zealandowned vessels which loaded cement in the harbour for the United States authorities. For some considerable time negotiations have been going on between the board, the Harbours’ Association, and the Treasury.

Arrangement with Britain

The solicitor for the Harbours’ Association, in conveying the Treasury’s offer, stated, inter alia, that he considered the settlement one in the board’s interests and the best that could be achieved. He asked that detailed accounts be forwarded for his examination before handing them to the Treasury.

The secretary (Mr. W. M. Fraser) stated he had forwarded the accounts, which amounted to £785/14/4. In answer to the chairman, the engineer said 75 per cent, was the full amount payable to the Auckland sod other harbour boards for similar service. It was an arrangement made with the British Government and other countries after the outbreak of war. On the motion of Mr. H. E. Hewlett the board adopted the report, accepting the Treasury’s offer, and that the Association’s solicitor (Mr. J. F. B. Stevenson) be thanked for the way he had handled the negotiations.