PORT CHARGES

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2103, 11 June 1907, Page 2

PORT CHARGES

The Collector of Customs (Mr. W. J. Hawley) wrote to the ' Harbor Board yesterday as follows: —“I wish to obtain a ruling from your Board o n the subject of port charges under the new by-laws, One paragraph of section 18 reads: “Master or agent of any such vessel shall not he called upon to pay more than Is per ton register in any half-year.” I would like to know the meaning of the words “half-year,” whether it means end of June and December, or six months from date of first payment by a vessel. The Waikare, 1901 tons —three months’ dues under the old by-laws expired on Juno sth. She arrived here again on Juno Bth, and had to pay 2d per ton port charges for that trip; on her arrival again on the 26th another 2d per ton is duo. If your by-law reads half-year ending June, the Yaikare’s charges will bo 2d per ton per trip for the next six trips here after June 30th. •As she comes here three times per month she will have paid in three months Is 4d per ton, £126 14s Bd, for port charges alone.” Mr. Lysnar said the intention was six months from the time of entering port. -

Mr. Sievwright: It is what the bylaws sav that we must consider.

Mr. Lysnar quoted the by-law.. It was clear that it meant to date from tlie first trip. : r •: The Secretary mentioned .that the Collector of Customs said it would entail no more trouble to count from the first trip than to have definite half years ending June and Deette-■ her. The Chairman: Very well. We will leave it at that.—Agreed to. i '