LIABILITY OF WHARFINGERS.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 977, 14 September 1881, Page 2 (Supplement)

LIABILITY OF WHARFINGERS.

The N. Z. Herald remarks : —Captain Roberts, of the Hermione, by a letter’ in our columns elsewhere, raises the question, “ When does a ship’s liability cease in regard to her cargo ?” It seems very desirable that such ar-' rangements should be made that the liability should end when are put out of the ship. A vessel wants to discharge as quickly as possible, and has no organisation for taking charge of cargo when it has been placed on shore. The wharfingers, w ho charge a considerable sum per ton for allowing goods to be landed, ought to be responsible till the goods are taken away, perhaps charging consignees if there is unnecessary delay. Wharfingers are somewhat in the position of public carriers, and to them should attach the same liability as to the owner of a lighter, or as to a railway company. However, at Auckland the wharf authorities assume no such responsibility. The subject iaof great importance to shipmasters and merchants, and it ought to be fully discussed, with the object of adopting the best and fairest method of procedure. It is quite worthy th4'attention of the Chamber of Commerce, who are the most fitting to deal with the Harbor Board respecting it.