PORT OF WELLINGTON

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8683, 17 March 1914, Page 6

PORT OF WELLINGTON

ANOTHER YEAR OF PROGRESS WHAT THE RECENT STRIKE COST. REVIEW BY THE CHAIRMAN. The annual report of the chairman of tho Harbour Board for the financial year ended September 30th last was read at the annual meeting of the board yesterday by Air R. Fletcher. The report showed that the port had experienced another satisfactory period of progress, though tho return for the past five months, tho space affected by the strike, told a different story. There were present at the meeting Air R. Fletcher (chairman), and Messrs R. A. AVright, A. McFarlane, A. D. Kennedy, A. H. Hindmarsh, J. Trevor, AV. T. Hildreth, and Captain D. J. Watson.

Air Fletcher moved: “That the statement of receipts and expenditure, statement of assets and liabilities, and statement of contracts, be now signed by the chairman, as examined and allowed as required by the Harbours Act, 1908.” “I desire,” said Air Fletcher, “to avail myself of this opportunity to make a few remarks in regard to the progress and work of the port during the past year, as well as to suggest in a ‘measure the policy that should bo pursued during the current year. As in former years the executive officers have compiled very full and complete reports up to the end of tho financial year, September 30th, 1913. The facts and /figures therein contained speak for themselves, and they should furnish very pleasant reading both to the members of the board and all those interested in tho welfare of the port. In addition I have, as usual, had prepared a supplementary report covering the five months ended February 28th, 1914, so that members should be in possession of the latest information in connection with the board’s business. SATISFACTORY INCREASES.

“Goods passing inwards totalled 535,040 tons, as against 489,416 tons in the preceding year, an increase of 45,624‘ tons, or 9.31 per cent.—a record for the port. For the period to September 30th, 1913, we again find a very satisfactory increase in transhipments. The general cargo handled amounted to 168,832 tons as compared with 151,236 tons in the previous year, an increase of 17,596, ’ equal to 11.63 per cent, or 5115 tons on the former year. This is a pleasing feature, and shows the recognition the port is receiving from merchants and shipping companies eager to take advantage of the accommodation and facilities that are available at this port as a transhipping centre. The coastal and intercolonial imports, which last year showed a slight decrease, have this year increased by 4063 tons, viz., 176,618 as against 172,555, equal to 2.35 per cent.

“The total shipments of wool, skins, hemp, and tow over the wharves, excluding transhipments overside, amounted to 301,050 bales, as compared with 251,861 bales for the previous year, a very substantial increase of 49,189 bales, or 19.5 per cent. Tho number of bales of wool and skins was 165,955 against 153,257 bales, an increase of 12,698 bales, or 8.2 per cent. The hemp shipments were 135,095, against 98,604, an increase of 36,491 bales or 37 per cent. As compared with the preceding year wool and hemp, ex shore and rail, increased as from 160,612 bales to 186,685 bales, being an increase of 26,073 bales, equal to 16.2 per cent. AVool and hemp waterborne increased by 24,936 bales, or 27.3 per cent., the figures being 91,249 bales for 1912, and 114,185 bales, for 1913.

DUMPING—POSITION SERIOUS. “Twelve months ago I pointed out that the dumping branch of the board’s service would require serious attention. The board has expended a large sum of money in providing machinery to carry on this work, and now finds competitors in the field. Certain proposals were submitted by me for the consideration of members which would, in my opinion, have enabled the board to successfully compete and protect its interests in this business, but unfortunately they were negatived. Out of a total of 301,050 bales of wool, skins, and hemp passing over the wharves for shipment 168,743 bales were dumped by the board, or 56 per cent, as compared with 56.1 per cent., 59.29 per cent., and 60 per cent, in three previous years, and I am satisfied that during the current year the results will show a greater falling off. This branch of the board’s work should again be considered at an early date. COAL AND THE GOVERNMENT. “The coal handled' at the port amounted to 548,862 # tons, as against 602,499 tons, an increase of 46,363 tons, equal to 9.22 per cent. Coal passing, over the wharf paying wharfage totalled 168,759 tons, as against 160,652 tons, an increase of 8106 tons, equal to 5.04 per cent. Coal for Government use paying no wharfage was 66,335 tons, as. against 40,060 tons last year, an increase of 26,275 tons, being 65.58 per cent. This is a very serious matter, and I think the Government should be waited upon in regard to it. Coal transhipped at wharf overside was 292,710. tons, or 21,041 tons in excess of last year, equal to 7.74 per cent. “The volume of imports from English and foreign ports during the year exceeds by 23,965 tons that of the preceding year, the figures being 189,690 tons, as against 165,625 tons, equal to 14.46 per cent., and constitues a record. Goods passing over tho wharves outwards to colonial and coastal ports show an increase of over 1000 tons, and totalled 125,229 tons, and is steadily growing year hy year. The shipments to British and foreign ports, consisting of frozen meat, butter, cheese, etc., are very satisfactory, particularly so in the case of cheese, the figures being:—

“Tho net tonnage of trading vessels entering tlie port for the year was 3,14G,G87 tons, as against 3,087,332 tons, an increase of 59,305 tons over the previous year, and gives ample evidence and bears testimony to the growing importance of the port, and in this connection I desire, on behalf of the board, to place on record its appreciation of the careful and valuable services rendered by the

harbourmaster, Captain Johnson, and his staff in tho efficient manner in which this important branch of the board’s service has been carried on during tho year. - FINANCES. “Coming to the balance-sheet and accounts, the assets of the board on September 30th, 1913, are estimated at £1,386,872 19s, as against £1,326,352, an increase of £53,520. , The total liabilities at that date amounted to £851,570 2s 3d, the balance of assets over liabilities being £535,303, an increase over the preceding year of £29,322. “Inward wharfage amounted to £53,232 3s lid, as against £51,530 3s lid for the previous year, an increase of £1702. Outward wharfage totalled £13,557 Gs lid, as compared with £12,BS9 5s sd, an increase of £668 Is Cd. Transhipping wharfage £32,681 19s Id, as against £29,080 16s sd, an increase of £3601 2s Bd. “The principal increases are as follows : £ Inward wharfage 1702 Outward wharfage 663 Transhipments 3602 Storage 1387 Cargo shedded in overtime .... 339 Harbour improvement rate .... 1078 Harbourmaster’s fees 699 Berthage rate 736 EMINENTLY SATISFACTORY.

“The profit and loss statement shows a credit balance of £13,571 7s 3d. as against £10,814 11s 7d, an increase of £2756 15s Bd. The financial position is eminently satisfactory. An increase of earning from £216,025 to £237,293 is shown, being an advance of ■ £21,268, whilst working expenditure, repairs and maintenance, etc., has gone up from £205,210 to £223.722, or by £18,512. This is mainly accounted for by increases to casual labour, salaries, cartage, superannuation contributions, and the upkeep of Somes Island light, etc. “The special reserve fund now amounts to £16,367 19s 4d, and, in terms of the board’s resolution, the sum of £6785 13s Bd, being half of the surplus of the year, will he added. The total of the fund will then, be £23,153 13s. The sinking fund on September 30th, 1913, amounted to £149,870 19s 4d, of which £143,794 2s 4d was investments, and £1076 17s interest accrued to, but not due, on that date. The fund shows an increase for the year of £11,394 18s sd. The average rate of interest was £4 12s 2d, as against £4 11s 9d on the previous year. The efforts of the commissioners, Alessrs Nidholls and Watkins, in securing prompt and careful investments, deserves the' best thanks of the board.

“Members are aware that the board has legislative authority to raise £1,000,000 hy way of loan for the carrying out of further works. As pointed out by me twelve months ago, no necessity would arise during the year to float any part of this loan, but some' time, say during fbe next six months,' steps should be taken to raise a portion of the £1,000,000, as the money will be required for the Pipitea wharf, now about to bo commenced, and I believe that at the time mentioned the money market will be favourable for the successful negotiation of a loan. As the*' financial position of the board is sound, there should he no difficulty in securing the best terms. “On March 14th, 1914, the credit account was as follows: — £ On fixed deposit .... 80,000 Current account .... 14,547 Total £94,547 “The amount paid in claims during the year amounted to £2OB Is 6d, as against £l9O and £156 for the two preceding years. Of the amount named £ll3 15s 4d was due to accidents, £3B 9s lid to pillaging, £35 2s 9d to loss of goods, and £2O 13s 6d due to errors by tho board’s employees. The small amount in claims, taking into consideration tho' volume of the goods handled, testifies to the care and good service rendered by the employees in the discharge of their duties. THE HARBOUR AVORKS. “The dredge AVhakarire has been usefully employed throughout the year in dredging the Falcon shoal, and tho whole of the 404,950 tons lifted had been pumped ashore at Te Aro and Waterloo quay, reclamations. “The various works outlined twelve months ago have been mostly carried out. Some have been delayed owing to various causes. A large amount of good work has been done hy the engineer’s staff. “The Z store, especially built for cheese and dairy produce, was finished and taken over by the board in May last, and is being used very largely for the purposes for which it was erected, and is considered by those best able to judge a well-equipped and up-to-date building for the handling of this class of produce. SUPERANNUATION.

“The board’s superannuation scheme came into operation as from April Ist, 1913. Out of 328 employees, 262 joined the fund. Up to the present none of the contributors has been placed on the fund. The board was the first local body to take the ■ opportunity afforded by the Local Authorities’ Superannuation Act and establish a fund. I am sure it will be productive of much good. It is hoped the result will be mutually advantageous and tend to a better understanding between the employer and the employee. Quite a number of local bodies have followed the example of the AArellington Harbour Board, and set up superannuation funds for their employees. HARBOURS’ ASSOCIATION. “The sixth' conference of the Harbours’ Association of New Zealand was held in July last, when a large number of matters affecting harbour boards were fully discussed. The principal questions were :--Cost of elections, mail steamer exemption of dues, Government cargo passing over the wharves free, land taken from boards by the Government. It was pointed out that the present method of ©lections involved the boards in an enormous cost. Take Wellington as an example: in 1911 the cost to this board was £lOl3 6s; in 1913 the amount was £591 9s 2d. The reduction was due mainly to the fact that there was no contest in the Wairarapa district. Under the old Act, when the boards conducted their own elections, it cost the Wellington Harbour Board in 1906 £BS ss, 1908 £142 15s 4cl, and 1910 £157 4s 3d. '

“Exemption of dues on steamers carrying mails under contract to the Government, as well as Government cargo passing over the wharves free of wharfage (increasing year by year) was duly discussed and resolutions passed asking the Government to do justice to those boards who rendered valuable services and provided accommodation and facilities without receiving anything in return. “Another very mportant matter was the taking of lands from boards by the Government. It was unanimously decided that for any such land taken

the compensation payable in every case should be the full value of the land at the time of taking. “The various resorptions earned at the conference were duly conveyed to the. Government, as well as representations being made, but nothing has eventuated. In view of the great importance to harbour boards of the matters named, there is sufficient justification that strenuous efforts should be made to obtain redress in the direction indicated by an amendment of the Harbour Act during the present session. EAST COAST RAILAVAY. “Tho matter of the co-operation of the board with the AA r airarapa local bodies was heartily taken up in the advocacy of the policy of opening up communication by rail of the east coast lands with AA’ellington, and representatives were appointed to join a deputation to the Government in regard to tho matter, and a good case was made out. I much regret nothing has been done up to the present to forward the movement, which means a great deal both to the AA r ellington and the AVairarapa districts. SOAIES ISLAND LIGHT.

“The Marine Department called upon the board to take over the Somes Island light as a leading harbour light, and it was arranged that the control and administration should remain with the Marino Department and the board would be responsible for the upkeep, which last year amounted to £356 is Id. THE LATE STRIKE.

“In October, 1913, the AA'ellington watersiders ceased work, and the strike soon „became general throughout the Dominion. It was, in my opinion, caused by obstinacy on the one part and stupidity on the other, and the results were disastrous to all concerned, as strikes generally are. The figures covering the strike period submitted herewith will show the extent to which the board was affected. The action of the board, and particularly myself as chairman, was much criticised, often by those least qualified to judge. AH 1 can say is that all through what was a most difficult and trying situation it was my endeavour to hold tho scale of justice evenly, as between all parties, and looking back, I have at all events the inward consciousness and satisfaction of feeling that I did my duty as a public representative. The microbe of hysteria which blurred the clear vision and unbalanced tho sound judgment of many of those who condemned my attitude then .may in their calmer and saner moments he ready to admit that I was actuated by an honest’ desire to do what was fair and square to all concerned. It was recognised that some steps should be taken to, if possible, avert such a crisis as has been gone through. AVith this object in view a conference of representatives of the various harbour hoards was convened by the Hon. the Prime Minister, Mr Massey, when various suggestions were submitted and discussed, tne chief one being the , question of obtaining legislative authority giving to harbour boards the power to take over and control the whole of the work on tho waterfronts. It was claimed by those members who advocated this course that tho controlling authority, viz., harbour boards, would be enabled to establish a permanent staff to carry out the various branches of the work which would ensure a better class . of men being employed on the waterside. “The matter of superannuation regarding employees and other privileges attaching to permanent hands would be an inducement to securing men of good character, and thus minimise in a great measure the large body of casual labour. The scheme, of course, bristled with many difficulties, but it would have been an honest attempt to solve the problem. . However, it was negatived. I am hopeful that it may be considered at a later period with more favourable results. , WHAT IT COST.

“The comparison of statistics for nie five months ended February 28th, 1913 and 1914, are as follow: INAVAEBS.

•Denotes increase. NOT VERY ENCOURAGING; “ The figures quoted are not very encouraging,’’ continued Mr Fletcher, “hut are largely due to the conditions that obtained during the labour troubles. I trust that in a little time, when matters become normal, the prosperity that the Dominion is undergoing will be shared by this port in common with others, and the set-back

is, and can only be, of a temporary character. I am optimistic enough, to believe that the year will be a successful and prosperous one for the whole of the Dominion. CARE AND PRUDENCE. ' “ In regard to the board’s policy during the coming year, I have again to urge care -and prudence in reference to expenditure of moneys. Those who clamour , for the prosecution of works often fail to consider the question of ■ways and means. As I have pointed out'before, this board has to rely entirely on its revenue to meet charges. The Pipitea wharf, which is about to be. commenced, will mean an increaseof standing charges of about £12,000 per annum, and the volume of trade has to increase very materially to make this good. I submij that the accommodation provided is quite equal to requirements under normal conditions, and any forward movement other than a judicious one would be detrimental to the best interests of the port. FUTURE WORKS.

“ In the opinion of the executive and myself the following works should be carried out during tneyear: Estimated Capital ' Expenditure on Works for Twelve Months from March, 1914.

THANKS. “In conclusion, I think the members will agree with me that the operations of the year showing substantial increase of trade is very gratifying indeed, and that the position of the board’s finances are sound and most satisfactory. 1 trust that the careful administration that has characterised the conduct of the board’s business in the past may be maintained in the future. I* again wish to place on record my appreciation of the valuable and efficient manner in which the executive officers of the board carry out their duties, and for their kindness extended to me at all times, and to express my best thanks to Mr Nicholls (secretary), Mr Marchbanks (engineer). Captain Johnson (harbourmaster), Mr Monro (wharfinger), Mr Barnett (treasurer and assistant secretary), and Mr Gamble (accountant) for their unfailing courtesy. On behalf of the board I thank the staff for their good services during the year. To my fellow-members I wish to convey my best thanks for their support and cooperation.”

GOVERNMENT COAL MENACE. Mr McFarlane seconded the motion. The report was, he considered, very satisfactory.

Mr Wright said something should be done in regard to coal for Government use passing over the wharves free of charge. The time would come

when -the amount handled would bo enormous, and ho agreed that. a deputation from the board should wait on the Government, and if they could not get them to pay for the coal already passing over the wharves they might be able to get them to pay for all in excess of it. If some arrangement were not come to the thing would go on indefinitely. PRAISE FOR THE CHAIRMAN. . Mr Hildreth said he thought the chairman was to be complimented on the full report he had given the board. There ■ were one or two matters that required serious consideration, and one was that when the Pipitea wharf was completed they would have about £•12,000 added to their standing charges, and that would have to be made up. He could not understand why Mr McFarlano had opposed 'the motion the chairman had brought down some time ago in regard to the charges on wool. He had very little hope that these increases of the standing charges would be met in any other way than by increasing the charges on wool. There .was another point, and that was in connection with the election of members to the board. He thought it little short of scandalous that the board should be mulcted in the charge that was imposed for elections, especially of country members. He did not wish to raise any controversial discussion, but he thought the chairman’s remarks concerning the strike were very well founded, and he thought a man in the chairman’s position would realise he had a responsibility on his shoulders in regard to- the whole of the property of the board. He thought when people got over their hysteria they would find that the chairman’s actions had been well judged, and he would get every credit for his work. The outlook now was very satisfactory. Every increase, since he had been a member of the board, had constituted a record over the previous increase, and it was the same this year. Ho considered the position was most satisfactory. Referring to the matter of meeting the standing charges, Mr Fletcher said the Wellington Board had absolutely no endowments. The Auckland Board, from its endowments, received about £21,000 ,a year. Wellington had to meet its standing charges out of revenue. If the revenue did not grow proportionate to the standing charges then they would have to increase their charges. did not want to do that if they could help it. Going along as they were they had done remarkably well to meet the conditions arising.

There could be no question that the next impost to be put on must be on wool. "Wool in 1880 was paying 6d per bale, and the value of the article then was about 5d or 6d per pound. To-day wool was paying 6d per bale and was worth 12d or 13d per pound. Raising the charges would not affect the small wool growers at all —it would affect the large wool kings. Since 1880 there had been an increase on the charges on ships and on general goods, but wool bad not been touched; and it was quite clear that when the next charge was met it would be met by wool. Mr Hildreth : "I think this report should open the eyes of the Labour people as to the loss that is caused by strikes.” *The report was adopted.

On the motion of the chairman a vote of thanks was accorded the board’s officers and staff.

1913. 1912. Tons. Tons. Olices© .. .. 35,851 22,638 Butter .. .. 16,488 13.152 Meat .... .. 32,078 31,720

Decreases. 1912-13. 1913-14. 1913-14. Tons. Tons. Tons, (a,) General Cargo: From England & foreign ports ... 84,461 67,460 16,981 From Coastal & Intercol. ports... 69,844 63,254 6,590 154,305 130,734 ' 23,571 Sup. ft. Sup. ft. Sup. ft. (b) Timber; iFrom all porta) City wharves . 5,299,340 4,102.952 l,196.a88 Suburban wharves 645,007 523.366 121,641 5,944,347 4,626,318 1,318,049 Tons. Tons. Tons. (c) Ooalgt Over wharves paying wharfage ... 60,774 50,635 10,139 Over wharves (Govt.) exempt from wharfage ,, 23,695, 15.3S7 8,318 Transhipped overadd© at wharves 116,807 78,147 38,660 Transhipped overBide in. stream ... 8,672 26,365 17,693* 209,948 170,524 57.117 . TRANSHIPMENTS. Tons. Tons. Tons. General cargo. all ports 79,579 62,777 16,902 'OUTWARDS. Tons. Tons. Tons. (a) General cargo: To England and foreign porta 17,678 26,485 8,837* To coastal and Intercol. ports ... 52,615 44,563 8,052 70,293 71,048 8,052 Sup. ft. Sup. ft. Sup. ft. (b) Timber; From all ports ... 605,703 475,754 129,949 Bales. Bales. Bales. (c) Wool and hemp: Transhipped over wharves 65,03048,005 17,024 Transhipped overside 1,293 4,375 3,082* From shore and rail 118,409 104,143 14,266 184.732 156,524 31,290 Tons. Tons. Tons. (d) Butter and cheese: From shore and rail 6,342 14,532 8,190* Transhipped over wharves 18.711 15,534 3,177 Transhipped oversido 9,505 3.852 5,453 34,358 53,918 8,630 ARRIVALS, ETC. Tons. Tons. Tons. Arrivals from all poms, nett tonage 1.324,169 1,190,087 154,082 £ £ £ ■■ Wharves and quays bookings .. 91,257 75,582 15,674 Pilotage, port churges and 1I.M. fees _ 8,307 7,908 ■ 399

Contract No. 165, staging from Jervois quay breastwork and additions to Taranaki street £ 2.894 Contract No. 166, ferry Wharf No. 2 and. additions to Ferry wbarf No. 1 1,655 Contract No. 168, extension of Glasgow Wharf and “T” shed 9,339 Harbour beacons, say . 3,000 Supervision on contracts 500 Reinforced concrete breastwork, Waterloo quay, say 15,000 Reclamation, Waterloo quay and Te Aro 12,000 Road formation, Waterloo quay and T© Aro (including drainage) 5,000 Pipitea wharf (part) 10,000 Brick wool store, Pipitea Wharf No. 1 ...X11,139 Electric light ‘ and power installation (p«art), say 3,000 Total £74,027