HARBOR BOARDS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 15955, 17 October 1922, Page 7

HARBOR BOARDS

WIDER ROWERS OF RATING

{Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. Many of the clauses in the Harbors Act Amendment Bill introduced in the House last night arc designed to facilitate the administrative work of the hoards, and some arc. of wider interest. Boards are to be' given a Larger range within which they may levy their charges. The ' maximum harbor improvement rate may be three shillings instead of the former maximum of two shillings, and Boards are given power to make exemptions, as the phrasing of the former Act, directing that the rate must be charged on all goods discharged or shipped is changed to read “all or anv.” Harbormasters’ fees for vessels of *l2O tons or upwards may be twopence instead of the former maximum of one penny, while smaller vessels may be charged £1 instead of ten shillings The maximum for port charges is raised from fifteen pence per ton to two shillings, and watermen’s licenses may be three guineas in place of two guineas. The pilotage rate may be nine pence per ton on sailing vessels, instead of sixpence;, and steam vessels may be called on to pay sixpence per ton in place of the former maximum of fourpence. The space occupied by deck cargo is to be held liable for 'harbor dues. British and foreign ships of war are exempt from port charges, but an amending Bill makes it clear that Boards may charge war ships the amount actually expended for labor and material in docking or slipping such vessels. The financial clauses include the granting of power to the sinking fund commissioners to utilise sinking funds to purchase debentures of the Board. Funds at the credit of the harbor fund may. if desired, ho placed on deposit with any bank at interest, or the investment may. with the consent of the Governor-in-Couneil, be made with an incorporated building society or investment company whose business includes the receipt of money on deposit. Harbor Boards’ rights to foreshore are granted only by special Act. bub it is proposed in the Bill to w;iive this restriction where it is possible to reclaim mud flats where they are not necessary for the purposes of a harbor. If such lands can be made available for agricultural purposes Harbor Boards may, with the consent of the Govemor-in-Council, grant leases, on condition, that the lessee reclaims by embankment, or otherwise the land comprised in his lease within a. definite period.