A PORT COMPARISON.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 114, 15 May 1924, Page 8

A PORT COMPARISON.

(To the Editor.)

Si rj _We hear a lot about Prince's and Pipitea Street wharves lately. I would like to know why the Repulse did not berth at the Prince's wharf as well as the Hood. I believe Wellington is the only port during the world cruise where the two great battleships were berthed together at the dne wharf, and it is said no harbour afforded them such depth of water at the quayside and such comfortable berthage. Surely this is a feather in Wellington's cap. Pipitea wharf is 94Sft long where the Hood berthed, and 7Gsft long where the Repulse berthed. At the outer end the depth of water is 40ft, and inshore 36ft. The Hood draws 32ft. I believe Pipitea wharf is not finished yet as far as the sheds go. I understand that the cost is in the vicinity of £300,000. We have heard nothing but petty jealousy about Wellington ever since the arrival of the Fleet, even to two men arguing in the street about the respective climates of the two cities. What struck mc as most ridiculous was the Mayor's wire of welcome from the original capital. Evidently Auckland still has the knife into the Empire City for the removal of the seat of government. I believe Wellington is the premier port as far as tonnage goes. The wharves there are undoubtedly fine. One couldn't say otherwise. How the Admiral must smile at the rivalry. His heart is in his own home , town, so what does he care about either Wellington or Auckland really? He has got to be diplomatic and praise each town as he goes. It's the safest way.— I am, etc., RATHER AMUSED.