HANDLING CARGO

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23870, 22 January 1941, Page 8

HANDLING CARGO

EXPEDITING WORK MECHANISED EQUIPMENt HARBOUR BOARD ACTION In nil endeavour to facilitate the handling of cargo on the wharves the Auckland Harbour Hoard decided at a special meeting yesterday to purchase mechanised equipment, comprising five tractors and 30 trailers, at an estimated cost not exceeding t.'ioOO., 'I he boards action is a sequel to the informal conferences held recently between the chairman of the board, Mr. H. Luke, the Minister of Labour, the Hon. P. C. Webb, and the chairman of the Waterfront Control Commission, Mr. li. 10. Price, when suggestions for speeding up of work were discussed. In a report, the hoard chairman said lie had been asked by the .Minister to meet, him at one of the wharves where a largo, cargo was being discharged. It was claimed that delay and reduced output- were due, in part, to tho lack of mechanised equipment. Assurance to Board Tho men's time was taken up in wheeling cargo up to 80 yards, and it was suggested that a considerable improvement would be effected by bas ing the cargo mechanically transported, the report continued. The chairman of the commission bad stated that the commission, if necessary, would provide and hire out to shipping companies the necessary equipment. Mr. buke had stated it would be necessary for the board to have, an assurance that plant supplied by it would lie u>"d by the shipping and stevedoring concerns. Mr. Price had said that awhile 1 lie present system <,f control existed the board would lie protected and the commission was prepared to order the use of any plant available which, in its opinion, would speed up tin l work. Adoption ol Report "I am personally convinced that after a very short experience of the advantages ol mechanical aids no compulsion will he necessary to ensure its continued use," continued the chairman's report. The more efficient use of the wharves would enable the board to defer capital expenditure on extensions and so avoid payment of interest charges on such. The chairman reported that he had no hesitation in recommending the purchase ol the tractors and trailers, and he had instructed the engineer to prepare .specifications and call fenders. .Alter a discussion in committee lasting almost, two hours the chairman's report was adopted without dissent.