CONTROL OF PORTS

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 17, 14 October 1921, Page 5

CONTROL OF PORTS

THE HARBOURS’ ASSOCIATION SOME REMITS FOR COMING CONFERENCE Wednesday, October 19, has been fixed as the da(e of the eighth conference of the New Zealand Harbours’ Association, and in consequence of the falling away in transport business and the big decrease in imports during tho year, the meeting is expected to be of particular interest. Following arc some of the remits submitted for discussion.:— Franchise for Harbour Board Elections for Combined Districts (Lyttelton).— That section 7 of the Harbours Amendment Act, 1910, be so amended as to provide that in the election of members of a harbour board for a "combined district” ths qualification for voting shall be the same in all counties, boroughs, road districts, town districts, or other area, comprising such "combined district." Investment, of Friendly Society Funds (Napier).—That section 49 of the Friendly Societies Act. 1909. .be amended so as to permit of friendly societies making advances by way of mortgage on leaseholds where there is a perpetual right of renewal. Investment of Trust Funds in Harbour Board' Loans (Lyttelton).—That the Finance 'Act, 1920, be so amended as to authorise the investment of trust funds in the loans of harbour boards not having rating powers Trust Funds (Wellington).—That tile Trustee Act be amended in the direction of authorising the investment of trust moneys in harbour board loans. Investment of Loan Moneys (Wellington).—To empower harbour boards to invest loan moneys not immediately required in same manner as board’s sinking funds can now be invested. Debenture 'Tax (Otago).—That the method of collecting the debenture tax on harbour board debentures is irritating to investors, and is calculated to net prejudicially to investment in these securities and should be amended. Power to Receive Money on Deposit (Lyttelton).—That power to receive money on deposit and pay interest on the same be granted to harbour boards on the same basis ns at present held by municipal corporations. Unauthorised Expenditure (Wellington).—That the Government be urged to amend tho Public Revenues Act, 1910, in order to allow harbour boards to make unauthorised expenditure on the following scale: —On previous year’s revenue (excluding loan moneys: Under £lOO,OOO, £250 (present limit); for every additional £lOO,OOO, £lOO. Premium Bonds (Napier).—ln view of the difficulties attending the raising of moneys by local bodies for public works, this conference affirms its desire that the Government should legislate in the direction of giving! local bodies power under Government supervision to introduce the system of premium bonds. Fuel Oil for Power (Wellington).—That the Government be asked: (a) To add to section 147 of the Harbours Act the following new clause: —"Erect, construct, lay down and maintain, or grant or allow to any person, body or authority upon such terms as to payment and otherwise as may be agreed on the right of erecting, laying down, and maintaining, upon any wharf, quay or dock, or upon any land vested in tho board, tanks and pipes for the storage and conveyance of fuel oil, or any such purpose.” (b) To add the words "or of shipping” at the end of clause "(dd) of section 45 of the Harbours Amendment Act, 1910, reading:—"Carry on the business of a wharfinger, or warehouse keeper, or of dumping, repacking, or reconditioning produce or other goods, or any other business in the Interests of importers or exporters or of shipping.” Dues on Deck Cargoes (Lyttelton).— That the Government be requested to so amend section 98 of the Harbours Act as to enable harbour boards to collect dues on the increased tonnage of vessels consequent on their carrying deck cargoes. Exemption of Government Vessels from Dues (Lyttelton).—That the Government be reauested to amend the Harbours Act so that vessels belonging to the Government of New Zealand, or other British possessions, or any foreign Power, or Imperial vessels, engaged in commercial trading, shall pay harbour dues on the same basis as ordinary merchant vessels. Exemption of Mail Steamers from Harbour Dues (Lyttelton).—That the Government bq requested to so amend the Harbours Act that vessels carrying His Majesty’s mails shall not be exempt from harbour dues. Liability for Dues (Lyttelton).--That the Harbours Act be altered to provide that for the purpose of enforcing payment of harbour dues in respect of any goods carried in any ship, the manifest of such ship shall be prinia facie evidence as to the consignee or consignor of such goods. Appointment of Pilot (Auckland).— That section 30 of the Harbours Amendment Act, 1910, be amended to provide that a pilot must be a British subject. Waterfront Meal and Waiting Rooms (Wellington).—That ■ the Government be asked to so amend the Harbours Act as to empower harbour boards, if desired, to provide, erect and equip and administer meal kitchens and waiting: rooms for the general use and convenience of waterside employees, and that power bo also given to boards to allot, rent or lease such rooms.