THE TRADE OF THE PORT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9988, 27 November 1895, Page 5

THE TRADE OF THE PORT.

SUGGESTIONS BY THE SHIPPING

COMPANIES. At the meeting of the Harbour Board, yesterday afternoon, tho following lotter, signed by the whole of the representatives of the shipping companies ongagod in business in this city, was received :- M In view of tho increasing volume of trade at this porb, and blio consequent necessity of affording every facility for the prompb discharge and Bafo delivery of cargo, and for tho convenience of the general public, wo beg to submit for tho consideration of your Board the following suggestions, which we are of opinion would tend towards tho desired object: That in all cases whore a charge is made by the Board for storage or otherwise, receipts should bo given by the Board for the goods on which such charges are levied. That on account of tho numerous thefts and pillages which have occurred, eubsequenb to goods being placed iu sheds, effectual steps be taken to prevent persons not actually engaged in connection with cargo from obtaining access to the sheds. Thab application do made to tho police department to provide additional police officers, especially on tho arrival and departure of steamers. That transhipments to places with which communication is not more than monthly should nob be liable to more than 2s 6d per ton for wharfage and storage. It would, of courso, bo understood that goods should bo shipped by first opportunity. That clear passages be kept to and from gangways of passenger steamers on arrival and departure, in ordor to prevent unnecessary crowding and risk of injury. In connection with the receipt of cargo from foreign-trading and intercolonial vessels we shall be pleased to learn whether your Board would bo prepared to accept delivery of cargo at ships' slings and grant receipts therefor, on being paid at a rate per ton to be arrangod." ( Mr. Niccol said the suggestions looked comparatively easy of being complied with, but they would affect the reveuue of the Board considerably, and ib was a question whether the Boord could entertain them. Mr. Napiep. cordially agreed with the suggestions, and did nob think that tho Board's revenue would he at all affected. Mr. Houghton agreed with Mr. Napier, and pointed out how shipping was affected by too present arrangements. Mr. Gonson thought that tho Board's business was not to wholly consider the question from the shipping companies' point of view. On tho motion of the Chairman the matter was referred to the Finance and Legal Committee,