-28-
12.5
ones granted as occasion arose, although, as I mention later on, it might be wise for the Trust to construct some new piers to replace those that are dilapidated, and let them at appropriate rentals. In all cases, however, the lessees or tenants themselves should be left to "operate" the Piers without inter- ference, so long as they coped with the requirements of the trade of the Port, In
this way there should not be any fear of increased charges on the shipping trade.
On the matter of renewing the leases of the Piers on their expiration in 1949, I might venture to suggest that the term of the renewal is perhaps not very important if the lessees knew that the policy to be adopted was as indicated herein. A period of ten, or perhaps twenty, years with the option of further renewal at the end of the term, might be regarded as sufficient to give them security.
I should like also to emphasise that it would seem desirable that every future lease should stipulate that the lessee is to use the pier only for the purposes of his own business, which must be connected with
shipping and that under no circumstances will
sub-letting be allowed. I understand that
some lessees have sub-let their piers at a profit rental which increases the charge the sub-tenant levies on ships using the pier. This is highly undesirable.
A provision that the lessees must
properly maintain their piers should also be