CHAPTER V
PORT SERVICES AS REGARDS GOODS
WE now proceed to consider the second section of port
services, viz., those relating to the reception and dispatch
of goods.
CARGO HANDLING
As already stated, port services vary considerably in
scope and extent, and this is particularly true as regards
the handling of goods. The practice of reception and
discharge at the quayside is radically divergent at different
ports. Some port authorities undertake the work—others
do not. In certain instances, it is partially done by the
authority. When the work has to be performed by
independent contract, it is put in the hands of a firm of
stevedores, who, with their gangs of labourers, are expert
in the handling of goods, and, in particular, as regards exports,
 in the stowing of them on board ship in the securest
and most effective manner.
Three typical ports may be mentioned in illustration of
the different methods of procedure.
1. The port authority for the port of Manchester is
the Manchester Ship Canal Company, who, in accordance
with their Act of Constitution, have the exclusive right
of supplying all labour required for loading and discharging
vessels and the handling of merchandise within the docks,
and of charging therefor. As a matter of practical working,
the company undertake the whole process of discharging
and loading operations at the port, making certain
reservations in regard to liability for accident and damage.
2. The Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, which is the
statutory authority for the port of Liverpool do not,
except at certain ““ warehouse” docks (relatively few in

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