BIRKENHEAD WHARF.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 295, 13 December 1899, Page 3

BIRKENHEAD WHARF.

With regard to the requisition for increased accommodation at Birkenhead Wharf, tho Works and Tariff Committee of the Harbour Board recommended that no further expenditure is required at this wharf. Mr J. H. Witheford said he wished first of all to compliment the Chairman upon being returned at the head of the poll for the City, and trusted when Mr Napier got to Wellington he would look after the interests of Auckland Harbour as well as the city. Mr Witheford objected strongly to the report and said he considered the Birkenhead Wharf a disgrace to the Board.

The Chairman said that he knew the wharf was quite adequate to present requirements. The tee was as wide as the Victoria Wharf, and the only complaint, was that six to eight carts went on it at the same time during the strawberry season, which resulted in the wharf being blocked.

Mr Stichbury said he knew the wharf was equal to requirements, and to prove it paid a man to go and keep tally one day. There were 126 passengers, and on that day five carts went on the wharf and off again. Therefore, the accommodation was all that was necessary at the present time.

Mr Witheford pointed out that the Sugar Works was in the Birkenhead Borough and gave a great deal of the revenue of the Board. He considered the accommodation was not adequate to the requirements of the district. Mr Niccol moved that the words "at present" be added to the , report.. It was not the intention of the Board to permanently refuse to increase the accommodation at Birkenhead.

This was agreed to,.the motion being "That no further expenditure on Birkenhead Wharf is required at present."