Hamilton Mayor the Rt. Wor. Cecil Dismont said yesterday.

Mr. Dismont said he would be pushing for total implementation of the Barbera report which in June outlined changes to increase docks capacity by 40 percent, reduce truck traffic and improve labour-management relations.

The mayor described the Barbera plan -- a private consultant's report officially called The Hamilton Docks Inquiry -- as a "highest priority.'' "We can't go this far and turn back,'' he said. "This report is important, a highest priority. It will improve efficiency.

"If we carry out this report as outlined we have a very good chance of accomplishing what we set out to do. This report must be done completely or not at all.'' Mr. Dismont said Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan, in discussions, had given his backing to the changes. But he acknowledged many big steps remained.

Corporation members would have to meet after their holidays to work out a common approach. Talks would have to be held with merchants and Government.

Financial decisions would have to be made.

The Barbera report outlined two cost options. One totaled $1.6 million. the other nearly $4.6 million.

Mr. Dismont said he felt the report could become a catalyst for improving the long-troubled docks.

Its author, Mr. Joseph Barbera of New Jersey, invited everyone involved in the docks to participate in his report.

"My feeling is that all those who came to Mr. Barbera with problems felt this was a good thing to do,'' Mr. Dismont said.

"We were very pleased with the report and the way it was received by participants.'' Mr. Barbera warned that the docks, which handle almost all goods brought to the Island, would become clogged and inefficient if changes were not made.

His 50-plus page report recommended the closing of Number 7 gate opposite the Supermart and relocating a dock warehouse to another part of the city.

It also recommended the Corporation buy its own dock equipment. The move would make it easier for other companies to bid for the contract to operate the docks. It is now held by Stevedoring Services, the only company that owns the necessary equipment.

Mr. Barbera's report noted that the docks are currently running at capacity under current organisation.

His recommended changes could increase capacity for the next ten to 15 years -- and avoid a $60 million to $80 million price tag for a complete overhaul of the port.