HARBOURS LOSE DUES

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

HARBOURS LOSE DUES

EFFECT OF C.O.D. GOODS STANDING FEE SUGGESTED The increasing volume of goods corning into the ports of New Zealand free of dues in the form of C.O.D. parcels is causing the harbour authorities some concern in view of the fact that they are los--In9 fees that would ordinarily be paid if the goods had come through cargo channels. . * n a Report to the Harbours’ Association Conference, which began in Auckland this morning, its executive committee reported that the question had been brought before the Post-master-General about a year ago. It was made clear that the object was not to oppose or criticise the system, but, in view of lost revenue, the association suggested that a fixed minimum harbour board rate, assessed at so much a package, and in the same manner as the present Customs clearance fee, be collected on behalf of the boards on all parcels using the system. The Minister had, however, declined to entertain the proposal on account of the “slow growth of the C.O.D. system.” The executive drew the attention of the association to an item in the estimate for the Post and Telegraph Department stating: “Owing to increased importation by parcel post, it has been found necessary to provide for an increase in payment to the department for collection of duty.” The Auckland Harbour Board estimates it lost revenue amounting to £2OO last year, Wellington £SOO, and Lyttelton £B4O. The conference agreed that the Government be again approached “in view of the fact that the post office is becoming an ordinary commerce carrier.”