PORT ORGANIZATION 3
tea cargoes are sent in considerable quantities to London,
on account of the important local market for these goods.
The term ‘‘ hinterland,” therefore, must be used in a very
wide sense ; and, as between two rival ports in proximity,
there will be a certain extent of overlapping of tributary
territory in which goods for export may be secured by
negotiation and influence. Even from areas which are,
perhaps, properly outside the geographical limits of
service, there may be opportunities of attracting business,
and these will be sedulously sought and taken advantage
of by the canvassing staff of a port authority.

3. A Statistical Department is exceedingly useful in
furnishing data from which the management can see the
general progress of the port and the seasonal variations
in trade and shipping. The figures are helpful in arriving
at the relative financial return on the different classes of
goods handled, and the extent to which it is desirable to
foster operations in certain directions.

4. Police. Owing to the persistent occurrence of pilferage
and theft on the quays and in the dock sheds, causing losses
to merchants of very considerable extent, which naturally
“gives a bad name” to a port, it is necessary to take
adequate measures for the protection of goods, and for
this purpose an efficient staff of police is necessary. A
constable should be stationed at each gateway of the dock
area, with instructions to collect passes for goods, and with
powers to search individuals and vehicles. At busy
times during the day, especially the dinner hour and at
leaving off, he will probably require extra assistance.
PORT LABOUR

One of the most difficult and perplexing problems in
connection with Port Economics is that of the provision
and treatment of Labour. It has been in the past the
source of much trouble between port authorities and their
employees, and a common ground of agreement has
hardly vet been realized. There have been inquiries and

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