IMPORTS THROUGH POST

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16866, 1 February 1929, Page 12

IMPORTS THROUGH POST

CLAIM FOR WHARFAGE DUES That merchandise exported of imported through the parcels post should pay wharfage dues was a principle reaffirmed by the Harbors Association of New Zealand, in conference in Auckland. A report submitted by the executive of the association showed that the Auckland Harbor Board, during six months in 1928, handled 792 tons of goods sent on the c.0.d,. system. The estimated loss of revenue for the six months was £9B 14s 6d, or approximately £I2OO per year.. The Wellington Harbor Board estimated its .loss for 1928 at £SOO, and Lyttelton at £B4O.

Representations were made to the late Postmaster-General in February of last year, a deputation pointing out that harbor boards whose reveuues were being affected by the importation of merchandise per parcels post should be protected.

The Minister stated he was unable to depart from the decision of his predecessor that parcels post should not be subject to harbor dues. A second endeavor to obtain relief was futile also.

The Napier delegate said the last election was practically fought out on tlie score of Government interference in business, and it was time that relief was given to harbor boards. Figures were quoted to show that the c.o.d. system was growing rapidly. A resolution carried by the conference affirmed the principle that wharfage dues should be paid on parcels imported per parcels post on a fixed basis, collected by the Post and Telegraph Department on commission of about 2j per cent., and returnable to harbor boards.