CARGO PILLAGING

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 7 February 1944, Page 4

CARGO PILLAGING

EFFORTS TO CHECK LOSS CHAM BERK OK COMMERCE REPORT “Endeavours to prove conclusively to the authorities the extent of cargo pilfering by the citation Of values ot goods affected from month to month have been rendered abortive through the required information not being forthcoming.” states a report circulate ed by the Associated Chambers of Commerce to its member organisations outlining the ground the executive has covered since 1940 in its efforts to reduce pilfering losses throughout the country. The executive states that at various times it is requested to lake some action in the matter of endeavouring to secure the elimination of or a reduction in the pilfering of cargo. The requests or actions are made in general terms and with no particular direction as to where it is considered useful endeavours can be made. The executive had found that progress was limited if it talked in general terms about pilfering without being able to demonstrate that it operated to a serious extent. If, after considering what had been done, members considered the executive could still take further useful action they were asked to indicate specifically in what direction that action should be taken. many contacts made The case history prepared by the executive traverses the numerous aspects of the subject ttat have been tackled by it during the last three years, together with many contacts it has made with various organsations and authorities in an endeavour to alleviate the problem. From the initial report presented by Captain S. Holm, who in 1940 put the increase in pilfering down to the insufficiency of protection in packing and the employment f disinterested casual labour, the executive’s efforts passed on to the Manufacturers’ Federation, the Shipowners’ Federation, the police authorities and the Waterfront Control Commission.

Manufacturers pointed out the difficulties they had in obtaining adequate containers under the conditions, the police advised that every endeavour was being made to strengthen control, while the Waterfront Control Commission had replied that it was anxious to do all in its power to end the evil. The ShipOwners’ Federation had adversely reported on the suggested use of hampers, which had failed in one case, and reiterated that they were handling hundreds of tons of cargo in small cardboard cartons with only a piece of gummed paper to keep the lid on. This loose method, the shipowners contended. led to pilfering. In response to further approaches the Waterfront Control Commission had advised that a waterside worker convicted of pilfering as a first offence was excluded from the waterfront for a period of six months, for a second offence for two years, and for a subsequent offence he was permanently excluded. Last year the executive had asked the Minister of Justice to act on the suggestion of the Chief Justice that the sale of goods on wharves should be prohibited. The Minister had replied that the representations would be considered.

Finally the executive had made every endeavour to obtain detailed losses from those who had suffered from pilfering, but the response was insufficiently detailed to permit the executive to press a case other than in general terms.