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11. Representations opposing the
establishment of a Port Trust.
Nos.3,5, 6,8,12, 15,19,20, opposing the establishment of a Port Trust. 25.26.
The Committee received letters from ten persons and concerns
Throughout these ran the conviction that the creation of a
Port Authority would involve additional expense which would have
to be borne either by the taxpayer or by shipping interests.
While there was some recognition that there had been week
spots in Port administration in the past there was also recognition
that the Port had been developed successfully by Government and
private enterprise and that no such marked improvement could be
expected from administration by a Port Trust as would warrant the
creation of such an Authority.
Several correspondents advocated the formation of a Port
Advisory Board or Committee but the need was stressed for well-
defined terms of reference, direct access to the Government and
the acceptance of the principle that the recommendations of the
Board or Committee, subject to Government approval, should be carried
out by order of the Government.
12.
The views of Mr. J. Jolly, C.3.E.. Harbour Master.
Mr. Jolly is opposed to the formation of a Port Trust with the
duties suggested by Sir David Owen. He considered that the removal
from the Harbour Office of the work of the Ships Survey Office, the
Shipping Master's Office and the Marine Court, would cause
inconvenience to shipping, a reduction in efficiency and an increase
in expense.
Mr. Jolly advocated the change of the Harbour Department into
a Directorate of Marine, which would be responsible for the day to
day working of the Harbour from the marine point of view.
He expressed the opinion that a Port Commission might be set up
as a Directing Body charged with the functions of the existing Port
Executive Committee and the general control of the use of port
facilities and also be responsible for the planning and execution of
a development and reconstruction programine.