CO129-608-7 Future policy- Report on Port Administration by Sir David Owen 24-2-1941 - 24-2-1941 — Page 38

13

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.