HARBOUR BOARD METHODS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15249, 12 March 1913, Page 4

HARBOUR BOARD METHODS.

Sir, —Kindly allow me a small space in which to reply to "Fair Play." Ho objects because I compare Auckland with Sydney, and gives Lis reasons. The fact that the various shipping: companies there have their own wharves does not make the slightest difference. The public (I refuse to believe that people waiting, as we were, waiting for . the Wimmera, tit 6 p.m., and in the rain, are mostly folk who have no interest whatever in the pe«ong«rrs arriving) are allowed alongside and on board, if they desire, immediately the vessel is safely tied up to the wharf. That ie the practioe in the largest ports of Australia and New Zealand (with the exception of Auckland) and elsewhere, as far as I can ascertain. What I think the travelling publio objects to more than anything is not the rushing of the public on board when tlie ship arrives, but the pestering they have to submit to by hotel representatives and enrriys. In the case of the Wimmera last Sunday week the latter allowed on board when the vessel had berthed, but folk like myself who were waiting to meet, and if necessary to assist friends or relations were informed that we were not allo.wed on board. I submit the method adopted ought to be the reverse. Thanking you, etc., 0. 0. Chalmers. . Imperial Buildings, March 10, 1913.