RE HARBOUR CHARGES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19768, 16 February 1927, Page 6

RE HARBOUR CHARGES

Sir, —In reply to Mr Lovegrove’s letter which appears in this morning’s 4 ‘Chronicle” with reference to the cost of lighterage at the Port of Wanganui: I stated at the Harbour Board meeting that I considered the rate of 25s 8d per ton for lightering tho Bronnoy was excessive and exorbitant, and members agreed with me, and this charge has" not been disproved or denied by Mr Lovegrove. I based my statement on the following facts: (1) The rate of 25s 8d per ton was quoted to me by a member of the firm of Messrs T. H. Lovegrove and Co., Ltd; (2) The N.Z. Refrigerating Co., Ltd’s statement that their charge for the hire of tho lighterage plant was equivalent to 3s per ton; (3) The statement of the secretary of the local Watersiders’ Union that the watersiders were asking for no additional payment over the rates of wages provided for the particular class of work; (4) That the rate charged for tho receiving of similar cargo from a vessel alongside the wharf into railway trucks is Is 7Ad per ton. From the above it will be seen that some explanation is necessary to justify the tremendous increase from Is 7Ad per ton alongside the wharf to 22s 8d (after deducting the 3s charged by the N.Z. Refrigerating Co., Ltd.) per ton in the roadstead, and until this is done the Board’s opinion that the rate of 25s 8d per ton quoted is excessive and exorbitant remains uncontradicted. I might also point out that, although Is 7Ad per ton is charged at Wanganui for receiving this class of cargo, I am informed the same work is carried out at New Plymouth for Is Id per ton.

The introduction of other matters which hide the matter at issue is not original, and does not in any way answer the questions raised. Mr Lovegrove knows, or should know, that the Calm did not ground in the river on account of the condition of the river channel, and that I have never stated that vessels of 20 feet draught could berth at the port. With regard to the 2s 3d per ton wharfage charged at Castlecliff for which Mr Lovegrove states no service is given, I might say that the Board has spent a considerable sum of money in the building of the harbour, and this charge (which is amongst the lowest made at any portin the Dominion) is required to find the money to meet the annual interest, sinking fund, and other standing items, and to enable the business of the port to be carried on. A. G. BIGNELL, Chairman, Wanganui Harbour Board. February 15, 1927.