LARGE DOCK FOR AUCKLAND.

Auckland Star, Volume XI, Issue 3197, 20 October 1880, Page 3

LARGE DOCK FOR AUCKLAND.

At the meeting of tho Harbour Board yesterday tho following letter and petition were read : —" D. H. McKonzie, Esq., Chairman, Auckland Harbour Board: Sir,—l am re. quested to forward to your Board the enclosed petition for consideration, and would .specially draw your attention to ono ira.portant fact in connection with this work. The canal now agreed to be constructed through South America by Baron do Lcsseps will, no doubt, be the means of tho carrying trado between Europe and the Colonies being done by largo steamers, and Auckland, being tho lirst port of call in tho Southern Hemisphere, Bhould be prepared, with her fiicilitieß, for taking advantage of this change-I am, &c, John Lamii." D. H. McKbnzie, Est.., Chairman and Member of tho Harbour Board, Auckland,— ' We, tho undersigned residents of Auckland, considering the present statu of .tho money aud labour market, Would respectfully Urge upon your honourable Board that this is a favourable time for the construction of a largo dock, capable of docking tho largest class of vessels visiting the Southern Hemisphere. Ihe construction of such n dock would materially advance tbo interests, and also developo the resources of Auckland. By complying with this ' request, your petitioners will over pray,— John Lamb, J. C. Firth, A. Clark and Sofcg, W. McArthur & Co., Ireland Bros., Cruickshank & Co., H. F. Anderson* Co., J. Dilworth, Henderson ahd Macfarlane, Stewart & Garlick, G.:W. Owen & Co., Walker & Co., B. Tonks & Co., Fraser & Tinnb, Coupland & Co , Siiera Bros., Hull Bros., J. & D. Oxley, A. Heather, E. and A. Isaacs, Brown, Campbell & Co., James Williamson, John Reid, Chas. F. Goldsiiro' (J.P.), John Buchanan, J. Howard, Kummeu & Co., A. Hines and Co., G. P. Jakins, T. & 8. Morrin, Joseph Newman, M. Levy & Co., Chas. Major, Jaoger & Parker, Henry and Dacre, Joseph Craig, G. H. Layers, Potter & Co., E. Porter & Co., Fisher >nd Co., H. B. Mortos.T. H. Hall and Co., E. Ellincham, H. Elliott, Brown, Barrett, & Co., J. J. Holland, T. Osborne, M. Niccol, Jas. Wriglev, Jas. Wallis, C. J. Hutchison, C. T. Wren, R. Monk, E. R. Cardno, M. McGregor, A. Buckland.

Mr Boylan said the whole diifioulty was ono of finance; but thia could he surmounted if importers would pay 6s or ON extra per ton. A large dook would be of groat benefit to Auokland, and it was tho more necessary iv view of the administration of Polynesia by a Governor resident in New Zealand. Mr Comnton thought the Interest and sinking fund on the proposed dock would only increase the charge to importera by 2s or 3a a ton. Mr Aickin thought prison labour might bo utilised in the construction of a. dook. The Chairman thought the Board would require to nearly double its revenue. Mr Waddel was opposed to any increase of the wharf charges. The matter was referred to tbe Works Committee for their report. Tho Board had received offers of sites at Calliope Point from Messrs. W. Aitken and W. S. Wilson, but tho consideration of the proposals was postponed.