HARBOUR BOARD FEES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27211, 14 October 1949, Page 10

HARBOUR BOARD FEES

FIFTEEN PER CENT. INCREASE PROPOSED DISCUSSION AT CONFERENCE NEW PLYMOUTH, Oct. 13. An application by the Harbours Association of New Zealand to the Price Tribunal for a general increase of, say, 15 per cent, on fees instead of each board applying for individual increases was suggested by Mr W. R. Clarke, Otago, at the annual conference of the association at New Plymouth yesterday. The increase, he suggested, would be devoted to dealing with maintenance arrears, and boards contemplating capital works could make individual applications for whatever they required. The matter was referred to the executive for consideration.

The system outlined, suggested Mr Clarke, would be in the interests of everybody for at present most boards were faced with heavy maintenance programmes. Every board in the Dominion would have to apply for an increase in the next 12 months to 18 months, and he urged that it would be better if one approach was made. Shipping companies would know exactly where they stood if the scheme was adopted. “ How would that work with boards that have not increased their charges for years? ” asked Mr H. Turner, Auckland.

“I think that this is a matter that the executive should consider in all its aspects.” commented the president, Mr W. H. Price, Wellington. Mr Clarke: I am quite prepared for that to be done.

The New Plymouth board made the same suggestion at the Christchurch conference, but not so much notice was taken of it. said Mr J. L. Campbell. New Plymouth. The situation would be difficult, for some boards had increased their fees and others had not.

Wellington had had a 30 per cent, increase and Lyttelton was receiving less than it received in 1939, said Mr C. W. Tyler. Lyttelton would want an increase of at least 33 1-3 per cent. The 15 per cent, mentioned by him was merely a figure for basis of discussion. Mr Clarke explained. Local bodies should be exempt from the operations of the Price Tribunal, for they did not work for profit but in the general interests of the public, said Mr Price. Arrears of maintenance were placing a very heavy burden on boards. A shed that cost £IOO,OOO some years ago now cost £220,000. The matter is to be referred to conference next year after the proposal has been examined by the executive.