OVERSEAS CARGO DELIVERED MUCH MORE RAPIDLY NOW.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18940, 10 December 1929, Page 10

OVERSEAS CARGO DELIVERED MUCH MORE RAPIDLY NOW.

New System of Handling At Goods-Sheds Proves Success

After a trial of six months, the experience of the Railway Department has been that the new system of storage charges on incoming overseas cargo has accomplished the purpose for which it was made, and has speeded up the delivery of goods. These charges were instituted on the recommendation of the Canterbury Progress League in an endeavour to reduce congestion at the goods-sheds. In the past, five days after the completion of the discharge of cargo from the ship were allowed merchants in which to clear cargo from the sheds before a storage charge was made. Now two days are allowed after a complete line has been received on the floor of the shed, irrespective of the date on which the ship completes its discharge. Under the old system, some cargo was in the shed for a period as long as a fortnight, and at times congestion arose. Now, when a line is complete, the consignee can get delivery almost immediately. The only trouble that takes place, and it was also existent under the old system, is that some of the ships’ manifests are not complete, and in some cases delays occur until these arrive by mail. In making comments on the new system, the goods agent at Christchurch, Mr J. Drummond, who put it into operation, told a “Star” reporter yesterday that several letters had been received from large importing firms thanking the Department for the quicker manner in which goods were delivered. The new system worked well, he said, and in special cases it had been possible for consignees to .get delivery of lines on the day that the

ship arrived in port. This was not general, however, but proved that it could be done in urgent cases. A benefit of the new system is that two days after an overseas ship completes its discharge, the goods-sheds are clear of cargo. Under the old system, this period extended to five days, and by that time more cargo had often come in from other vessels.

Yesterday the first portion of 2800 tons of cargo which the Ruahine has for discharge at Lyttelton was received, and at 2 p.m. some of the lots had oeen sorted ready for delivery. The Kent is also discharging heavy cargo from the West of England, and today the Min will be unloading motorcars, hardware and iron bars from New York.

Further improvements for the handling of goods are now being made. Electric capstans have been installed for hauling the trucks through the sheds, replacing the horse which has done service for a number of years. The capstans were put into operation yesterday. Three have been installed, and these will expedite the shifting of tr ticks.

The work of building a loading verandah alongside B shed is also in progress. This will enable goods to be lqaded direct from motor-lorries into trucks without the necessity of carrying them across the floor of B shed. It will also provide additional loading space for twenty-five waggons, doubling the loading capacity of B shed. When the verandah is completed in a fortnight’s time, it will be possible to load consignments in, any kind of weather.