CLEARING CARGO

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31121, 26 July 1966, Page 14

CLEARING CARGO

Co-operation Sought

The information officer of the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation (Mr E. G. A. Frost) has advised the Canterbury Manufacturers’ Association that heavy pressure would be exerted on port facilities in New Zealand as ships arrived from Great Britain with the cargo which built up during the five weeks’ seamen’s strike.

This, he said, would apply at Auckland and Wellington. Mr Frost said the congestion was expected to reach its peak in the period from midAugust to the end of September. He said in his statement that in August inward cargo from Britain was expected to be 33 1-3 per cent above normal. In September, it could be 50 per cent above normal.

Mr Frost said that about three months’ cargo would be landed in two months and the utmost co-operation was sought from all parties concerned. Manufacturers, said Mr Frost, were urged to assist by arranging to clear cargo without delay when notified that it was available. Mr Frost said that the names of ships, dates of arrival and discharge ports were being collated and would be widely advertised.

During the period of congestion, said Mr Frost, the Customs Department would, if an importer wished, accept payment of duty before a ship actually arrived in New Zealand waters. This arrangement had been made to assist importers to get earlier delivery of cargo.

The association's secretary (Mr R. T. Alston) said that [association members would ibe notified of the need for j co-operation.