WHANGAREI HARBOUR.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 187, 8 August 1919, Page 4

WHANGAREI HARBOUR.

An active policy for the development of their port is advocated by the Whangarei Harbour Board. They look to Whangarei in the future handling the import and export trade of a rapidly developing North. From the rich Wairoa Valley on the west to the Far North they ■ hope to concentrate the trade on Whangarei. The larger vision is commendable in a young country, even if it seems doomed to but partial realisation. The ultimate scheme provides for deep water berths under the shelter of Marsden Po'nt, with a branch railway tapping the whole of the Northern arterial system. The immediate pro posal is for the creation of a port within three miles by rail or road of the town of Whangarei capable of accommodating steamers of considerable draft et. any stage of the tide. In conjunction it is intended to deepen the channel up to the Town wharf to provide at low ;water for vessels drawing six feet. The spoil resulting from this work will be used to reclaim the large areas of mangrove swamp, which fringe the river in this locility, and so provpde areas for factories. The cost of the first part of the work is estimated at £05,000 by Mr. Blair Mason, whose report it is that the board have adopted.

Considerable elements in the town of Whangarei are strong-ly opposed to the whole of the proposals. They see possible .additional taxation arising out of an improvement in the port's facilities, and are doubtful about the compensating advantages. Onerahi, too, is opposed to the' measure, because it means, in the first instance, the relegating of this deep water wharf to a secondary position, and eventually its discontinuance as a railway terminal. The scheme of finding a deep water outlet for Whangarei at Grahamtown, originated at" the time when Mr. R. Thompson was member, was ill-cousidered. At the time it was very generally opposed, hut sufficient work waa'ruahed on to commit Government to its completion. Experience has confirmed the unsuitability of Onerahi as the deep water outlet for Whangarei, and the interests of the email section concentrated round this place cannot be permitted to stand in the light of the progress of the whole district. • The representative meeting at Whangarei which supported the presentation of an Empowering Bill during the next 'session of Parliament was fully representative of the progressive spirit of the 'Xorth, and we trust that in face of the enthusiastic support the elements of opposition will throw in their lot with the majority, so that a united front will .be shown when Parliament is approached.