Royal Commission on Pillaging of Ships' Cargoes
Royal Commission on pillaging of ships' cargoes · Royal Commission on Pilfering of Ships' Cargoes · Pillaging Royal Commission
12 February 1921 – 12 July 1921
A one-man commission that inquired into the theft of cargo from ships and wharves in Australian ports.
How it came into existence
Appointed by Letters Patent dated 12 February 1921 by the Hughes government, after complaints from merchants, shipping and insurance companies about large losses from pillaging on the waterfront were raised in Parliament in late 1920. The sole commissioner was W. M. Macfarlane, who took evidence in the various ports.
How it ended
His report was presented to Parliament on 12 July 1921, ending the commission. Its recommendations required action by the States, and in 1922 the Commonwealth sought State delegates for a federal conference on them.
Main functions
- Extent and value of cargo pillaged or short-landed
- Causes of pillaging on ships and wharves
- Measures to prevent it
Lineage
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