WHARFAGE DUES RAISED

Southland Times, Issue 23650, 27 October 1938, Page 4

WHARFAGE DUES RAISED

10 Per Cent. Increase Made CARGO HANDLED AT BLUFF NEW RATES TO APPLY NEXT MONTH An increase in wharfage dues of 10 per cent, as from November 1 was adopted at the meeting of the Bluff Harbour Board last night. The decision followed the presentation of the estimates for the year ending September 30, 1939, which showed estimated expenditure in excess of the estimated receipts for the year. The financial statement for the coming year presented by the secretary (Mr R, N. Porter) stated the estimated receipts for the year werq £40,809 14/6, providing for a reduction on the actual receipts for the past year which were £47,282 2/5, together with the credit balance of £4696 19/6 brought forward from last year. The expenditure for the several departments had been provided for in an estimated total of £44,740. “This means, of course, that we are not balancing the budget in the revenue and expenditure for the year, the estimated expenditure exceeding the estimated revenue,” continued the report. “In October and November of last year the board went carefully into the question of increasing its charges, but by making certain economies we were able to carry on without any increase being made, although practically all the other harbour boards had put up their rates some considerable time previously. I would suggest that the tin.e is opportune once more to go into the matter, of increasing charges. An increase in our wharfage dues would appear to be the most equitable, but instead of a.harbour improvement rate, a percentage increase could be made on the wharfage levied. Present rates plus 10 per cent, based on last year’s figures, and allowing for one month already elapsed, would bring / in more than £2100.”

The chairman (Mr W. A. Ott) said he thought it would be advisable to increase Hie wharfage dues. Most other harbour boards in New Zealand had increased their rates much sooner than the Bluff board. The Otago board had doubled its harbour improvement rate to provide an increase of £ll,OOO a year. The Wellington board had facreased its charges to the extent of £22,000 a year. Other smaller boards also had increased charges. In reply to Mr C. B. Tapley, the chairman said there would be no increase in shipping charges. The increased charges would apply only to cargo passing in or out of the port. The proposal was adopted without discussion.