PILOTAGE CHARGES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21577, 23 August 1933, Page 11

PILOTAGE CHARGES

REQUEST FOR REDUCTION SHIPS MAKING SHORT STAY UNFAIR BURDEN CLAIMED An application for relief from heavy pilotage charges imposed upon vessels making regular visits to Auckland and using the wharves for one day or less, was received at a meeting of the Auckland Harbour Board yesterday from Henderson and Macfarlane, Limited, shipping agents. "The board's charges for pilotage are the same whether the vessel's stay in port is for a day, or a week, or more," stated the letter. The large surplus from pilotage charges enabled berthage rates and other port charges to be reduced for vessels remaining for longer periods at the expense of mail liners or cargo vessels using wharves merely for a few hours. The attention of the board was drawn to what was considered an inequitable and unjustly heavy burden on ships making a short call. The difference between harbour charges on vessels calling at Wellington compared with those in force at Auckland were quoted. The compulsory pilotage charge at Auckland amounted to 5d a ton against 2d a ton in Wellington, where pilotage was optional. The Matson liners called 26 times a year, and the charges of the board in a year amounted to £9989. In Wellington the annual charge would be £4712 for the same number of calls. "The advantages possessed by a rival pprt offering such a large annual saving are obvious," continued the letter. In making application for a reduction, the agents felt confident that they were advocating a reform which would react favourably to the port and province. By making a reduction, the board would bo placed in a much stronger competitive position. As the issues involved in the request were of considerable importance, the early consideration of the board was urged. Mr. C. G. Macindoe said the basis of comparison was not a fair one. The matter was referred to the board in committee.