WHARF LUGGAGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22205, 4 September 1935, Page 12

WHARF LUGGAGE

CRITICISM OF PORTERS HICiH CHARGES ALLEGED VICTIMISATION OF VISITORS NEW SYSTEM RECOMMENDED An allegation that extortionate charges were being made by some porters for the handling of the luggage of passengers on large vessels visiting the port was made by the traffic manager, Mr. W. 11. Golden, in a report presented at yesterday's meeting of the Auckland Harbour Board. Mr. Golden stated that he had raised the question from timo to time owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the system. "When the by-laws were last revised, we endeavoured by moans of 17 regulations, covering three pages, to regulate tho work of porters so as to preclude any unseemly conduct," he continued. "However, so far as oxtortionato charges are concerned, tho position is just as bad as ever, and is likely to remain so. "The practice seoms to bo to overcharg? outgoing passengers, in tho belief that thev will not have the time or tho inclination to lodgo a protest. This belief is usually correct. Occasionally, however, a passenger comes forward and makeu a complaint, but as soon as we request a statement, they usually want to let the matter drop, as they are afraid to being delayed by subsequent proceedings. "The worst feature is that numbers of these people depart harbouring a feeling of very bitter resentment against New Zealand in general and Auckland in particular," said Mr. Golden. "Worst of all, on account of the porters being licensed by us, passengers have an idea that they are our employees.'' The traffic manager added that he could not see any way of carrying on satisfactorily under the present system. He recommended that the board should undertake the work with its own swecjjers. A charge would bo levied by the board. The report was referred to the board in committee.