“STATE SHOULD PAY FOR USE OF WHARVES”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 575, 30 January 1929, Page 13

“STATE SHOULD PAY FOR USE OF WHARVES”

EXEMPTION criticised LOSS TO HARBOUR BOARD That the Government should, in future, pay wharfage and berthing dues on goods and ships using harbour facilities in the Dominion, was the unanimous opinion 0 f the Harbours Conference, which opened in Auckland this morning. Delegates said that great loss was suffered by harbour authorities as a result of the exemption of State ships and merchandise. \ The question was raised by Mr. J. Jt. Hayward, Lyttelton, who moved: “That all goods consigned to and the property of the Government, or consigned to any person or firm under contract to the Government for the supply of goods of a national character be subject to wharfage dues.” The mover said that in 1927, 30,000 tons of Government goods had passed through Lyttelton free of dues, and in 1920, 13,000 tons had so escaped dues. •T cannot see why the Government should have this great privilege, while the boards suffer loss and inconvenience without compensation,” said Mr. Hayward. "Since 1914 the Otago Harbour Board has lost over £100,000,” said Mr. W. Gow, Otago. “I think things would be much more satisfactory if this stale of affairs were altered.” Mr. G. J. Wallace, Timavu, suggested the association should join with other interested bodies with a view to united action. After further discussion an amendment by Mr. H. R. Mackenzie, Auckland, that the Government be asked to amend the Harbours Act so that State goods and ships should in future pay berthage, wharfage charges and fees, for services, but not dues relating to the natural advantages of a harbour, was carried unanimously.