NOT FOR COLLIERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 26, 1 February 1928, Page 10

NOT FOR COLLIERS.

PRINCE'S WHARF BERTHAGE.

ACTION OF HARBOUR BOARD.!

INTERESTS OF THE PUBLIC

The Auckland Harbour Board has reaffirmed its decision not to permit coljliers and other vessels discharging bulkcargoes to berth at Prince's wharf, although several members at yesterday's meeting expressed the belief that the principle was being enforced more drastically than was at first anticipated. The subject was raised for discussion as the outcome of the Auckland Shipping and Stevedores' Association urging that the decision be reconsidered.

In urging that the board's previous decision be adhered to. the chairman (Mr. H. R. Mackenzie) said that Prince's w 7 harf was never intended for colliers and similar vessels, but they had gradually crept in, and the traflic handled there had increased as time progressed. Provision had been made for their accommodation at King's wharf, but the hoppers that had been installed had not been used, while the board had just ordered cranes to the value of £7000 to deal with colliers at King's wharf. The City Council had expressed the opinion that Prince's wharf was being used to the

(detriment ot tin - other wharves-, where 'much of the equipment remained idle, iand this was the view that the board ill |committee had also adopted. J Mr. C. G. Maeindoe thought the restrictions more drastic than was intended when they were imposed. It was jnot thought that colliers would be pre'jcluded from berthing on the western side ;of Prince's wharf. Here they were sendling boats away from Prince's # wliarf when expeditious discharges were demanded and other wharves were absolutely congested. It was time the board considered the matter seriously, as the question of congestion required urgent attention. Mr. G. R. Hutchinson contended that if there was less enforcement by the board tlie interests of the public would be better served. "There is too nuicli wire-pulling and ignoring of the public," he said. Mr. J. I!. Johnston: Have tlie shipping paople been put to inconvenience through the alteration? It was stated that there had been no congestion up to the present. Hon. E. W. Alison: Did we intend when other berths were not obtainable that the coal boats could unload there? The Chairman: That is what the rule I provides for. Mr. Alison said that if the restrictions put on the western side of the wharf proved detrimental to shipping then favourable consideration should be given the representations made to the board. I However, he personally saw- no reason jfor any departure from the board's previous decision. I The chairman's suggestion was then jadopted. itttmimtiiimttnitiimiiiiniiHiiiKiiiiiimimiiiinmmimmiitmjitmmiiiitiiiiiitHiiiinimimiiitmniii