DEPUTATION.

Evening Star, Issue 3813, 14 May 1875, Page 3

DEPUTATION.

A deputation from the Chamber of Commerce, consisting of Messrs E. B. Cargill, J. T. Mackerras, G. S. Brodrick, L M. Ritchie, R. Low, H. Tewsley, J, Walcott, and J. S. Webb,' waited upon the Hon. W. H. Reynolds, Commissioner of Customs, this morning. Mr Conyers, general manager of Otago railways, and Mr Hackworth, Collector of Customs, were also present. Mr Cargill said the deputation had been appointed by the Chamber of Commerce to wait on Mr Reynolds in consequence of a letter ad'dressed to that body by Messrs Russell, Ritchie, and ;f Co. pointing out the delay that took place in discharging shipping at this port, in order to see if steps could be taken to obviate that delay. His (Mr Cargill's) own impression was that if the co-operation of Mr Reynolds, the Customs authorities, and the railway authorities were enlisted, the-matter could be arranged so that our facilities for discharging ships would be placed on a par with those existing at Melbourne. If this port used the means at present in its power, he could see nothing to its disadvantage in comparing it with any in the Colonies. No doubt they would find obstacles, but these would be only on the part of such people as did not care to have their business done promptly. In Melbourne vessels were discharged in two or three days, and were enabled to haul off the piers ; but here twO' or three weeks was taken up. The deputatioh thought that if additional shed accommodation were provided everything would be done that was required. For many years past the importers had so arranged that a Melbourne steamer, on arrival, was immediately able to open hatehes, and thus often 200 or 300 tons of cargo was got out in five or six hours; and if this could be done with steamers, why not with sailing vessels? The complaint of delay in discharging was continually being thrown at this port, and considerable injury done thereby, higher rates being charged: and if the desired shed accommodation were furnished, this would be done away with. The bills of lading of the united shipowners of London were made out so as to have entries passed in forty-eight hours, thereby enabling goods to be (taken out at once and distributed or bonded.

Mr REYNOLDS'; As I understand, all you require is that ships’ agents shall be able to pass a general sight entry, similar to steamers ? I believe a new shed, is now being erected. Mr Hackworth : The shed now in course of erection will be quite sufficient. ' Mr Conyers : The shed is to be used as ah import shed, and I see nothing to prevent vessels from discharging in four or five days at the outside. The only difficulty would he in consignees delaying ■in removing their goods, for which, however, a special rate of 2s per ton a-day is levied* It is difficult to make consignees pay this, though we eompelled one firm to pay about LSO. If we were empowered to enforce it, it would be better. Another thing is allowing vessels at the pier to discharge over the side into lighters, instead of going into the stream for that purpose. Mr Reynolds : The Government must net be made to say that it is compulsory for consignees to have their goods brought up either by r ?.i 1)7 hghter. The lightermen must not be able to say to Government, “ You have ruined us ; we demand compensation.” Mr Ritchie said the question of bringing up goods from port could easily be arranged; and, c ® nßl( icrable discussion on minor points, Mr Reynolds aaid he had no doubt that the r-I °* tbe de putation would be acceded to. Mr Cargill said Mr Reynold* had practically conceded very much what they required, and he expressed the thanks of the members of the Chamber of Commerce. He must also think Messrs* Conyers and Hackworth for their readinesß' in coming forward to increase the facilities m carrying on the trade of the Port.