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Here again it is difficult to see in what way any
advantage would be gained by the service and its charges being
handled by a Port Trust.
(4) Ferries and the royalties, &c. therefor have been
controlled by the Government through the Harbour Office, the
operation being by private enterprise.
There is no suggestion that the normal services are
inadequate or that the charges for licences or royalties are
inappropriate.
(5) Dredging of the Harbour is only required on a small scale
and when required has been arranged by Government.
(6) The licensing of pilots has been effected by the Harbour
Master under the provisions of the Pilots Ordinance, 1930. No
complaint has, to the knowledge of this Committee, been made as to
the operation of the statutory provisions and it is difficult to
see what improvement would be likely to be effected if the licensing
were in the hands of a body of Trustees.
(A change in the method of supply of pilots to the ships
requiring their services is understood to be under the consideration
of the Government).
(7) The regulation of Harbour traffic has been under the
control of the Harbour Master, as it would be if a Port Trust were
created, and the promulgation of the necessary by-laws for that
purpose has been effected by the Legislature, the proposals of the Harbour Master being considered by the Government which introduced
the nccessary legislation.
The present system appears adequately to meet all
roquirements.
(8) The general policy of the Harbour has in the past been
the concern of Government, which has had the benefit of the advice
of the departments concerned and to which commercial or other
interests affected have always been able to make representations.