NEW COAL WHARF.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 149, 24 June 1918, Page 7

NEW COAL WHARF.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —In sour report of the result of representation made to the chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board by the Mayor of Devonport and his deputy, f«r an up-to-date -wharf to take the place of the present one at the marine suburb, the gentlemen were informed that the first consideration was to provide a wharf for coal, oil, and timber, which was badly needed, and should take precedence over all other work. As one . who takes a deep interest in the affaire i of the port, I fail to see the need for j further coal wharf accommodation, eeeing that we have already got a wharf, misnamed the north waif, at Freeman's Bay reclamation. It was generally understood when the wharf was erected ; it was to be used for coal, oil, and tim- i ber, and it is peculiarly adapted for this | business, owing to its close proximity to the Gas Works, the various oil stores, and timber mills. Of course, I am airare that it cannot be used without tie necessary dredging. While I -was a member of the Board I proposed a resolution which was carried, that on the completion of the reclamation then in hand in Mechanics' Bay the outside of the wharf be dredged to a depth of 20ft, to enable vessels to use it. Had this been done the wharf -would now be contributing something towards the interest on the cost of its construction, instead of remaining for years a white elephant. It -would be interesting to know woy this work -was not carried out, as I have not heard of the resolution being rescinded. I maintain, sir, thai we have there sufficient wharf accommodation for coal, oil, and timber for many years to come, if it were made available.—l am. etc., J. IL BRADNEY.