CONGESTION OF PORT

Press, Volume C, Issue 29514, 16 May 1961, Page 16

CONGESTION OF PORT

Man u fac tur er s’ Attitude

A warning on the possibility of further congestion of shipping at Lyttelton was given last evening by the president of the Canterbury Manufacturers' Association (Mr J. K. Dobson), speaking at the monthly meeting of the association’s council. The council decided that Mr Dobson and the secretary (Mr R. T. Alston) should take whatever action was needed if the situation became serious Mr Dobson said the same factors that caused congestion a few months ago were again threatening the port. These were a delay in shipping from England caused by industrial disputes and heavy importing There was also a shortage of labour at Lyttelton and the likelihood of transport disruption. Mr Dobson said a transport operator had told him that help in turning trucks round quickly could be given by factories. “This could mean someone being there after hours, on Saturdays and on Sundays” Mr L. H. Govan: We must have someone there all nigh* if necessary I think we should approach the authorities and get this thing planned now before it gets into a mess. We must have our shows open 24 hours a day and seven days a week if necessary. Mr C. H Stockbridge said he felt the congestion could be in some way attributable to the fact that no shipping came direct to Christchurch Mr Dobson said that the watersiders. along with others, were conscious of the need to work extended hours and to co-operate as far as possible.