CO129-354 - Public Offices & Others - 1908 — Page 239

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We therefore consider that the contribution towards the expenses

should be made more general and that the onus should not fall

too much on the shoulders of the shipping trade.

238

As however the shelter is in the interests of the wel-

fare of the Colony, and the shipping trade generally has a

certain interest at stake, we think that a temporary increase

in the light dues would be agreed to by ship owners without

opposition provided it were based on a somewhat modified

arrangement as regards payment.

During 1907 the Reg Tonnage of shipping visiting this

port is put down at roughly 10,300,000 tons, we therefore think

that if the tonnage dues are increased by cent per ton and

the cost of the work spread over a longer term of years (than

that suggested) it would be more equitable and the distribution

of the payment would be much better divided.

We would point out that of late years the tonnage

of steamers has materially increased, it however does not follow

that more cargo is being brought in or taken away from the

Colony. On the other hand the duas, owing to the size of the

vessel, are considerably increased,

We have made no mention regarding the proposed site

of the shelter as we consider that this is best left to prac-

tical local experts with whom you are no doubt consulting. We

however venture to think that the cost of the works as mentioned