9 PORT ECONOMICS

landing and handling of goods across the quays. These
are variously named, and cover a number of different
services of greater or less extent. Where no labour is sup-
plied by the port authority for the purpose, there is generally
a Wharfage or Royalty charge. When the authority
supplies the labour, the charge is usually termed a Landing
Rate, in conjunction with a Management Rate or Con-
solidated Rate, covering the warehousing of the goods and
their preparation for sale and also sometimes the delivery
of the goods. These rates are often termed Prime Rates
or Charges, as they are the initial and main charges on
goods landed on the quays.

Sometimes, but not invariably, the Prime Rates include
rental charges for a fixed period, after which a simple rent
charge is substituted.

Extra charges on goods are those which are incurred

or special services. As these services are often of a
complex and difficult character, there may be cited, as a
concrete instance, the operations carried out by the Port
of London Authority in their capacity as warehouse-
keepers.

In addition to safe custody in regard to protection from
deterioration, from pilferage and from damage by fire or
weather, technical services are performed, as follows—

Preparation of the necessary particulars to enable the
brokers to catalogue their goods, i.e. descriptions of quality
and condition, statements of weights, etc.

Assistance in grading and lotting the goods for the
market.

The taking of fair average samples on which purchasers
can rely.

The examination of goods for damage, and an assessment
of the latter in case of dispute between buyer and seller.

The coopering and repair of damaged packages.

The making merchantable of damaged goods.

The gauging, vatting, racking, fortifying and bottling
of wines and spirits.