QUEEN'S WHARF.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 44, 21 February 1940, Page 8

QUEEN'S WHARF.

CLOSED TO PUBLIC. ARRIVAL OF WARSHIP. BOARD CHAIRMAN EXPLAINS. Queen's wharf is to be closed to the public on the day H.M.S. Achilles arrives back at b;r base at Auckland after playing a triumphant part in the historic River Plate naval battle. This announcement was made with regret to-day by the chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board, Mr. W. B. Darlow. "It is well known that Queen's wharf would afford the public of Auckland the maximum facilities for viewing the berthing of the famous cruiser of the Xew Zealand Naval Division," he said. "The decision that has been reached was not arrived at until after the while question had been thoroughly discussed with the interested shipping companies. "There are two vessels loading at Queen's wharf, and representations have been made to the board by the companies concerned that no stone should be left unturned to facilitate the loading of Xew Zealand produce for Great Britain. It is considered that by admitting the public to the wharf loading would be interfered with, as the wharf would be crowded with thousands of Auckland citizens. Iu these circumstances I felt that the board had no alternative but reluctantly to close the wharf for the whole day." Mr. Darlow said that the Achilles had done a wonderful job of work, and had accomplished exactly what the public anticipated it would do. Other efforts were required also, however, to win the war, and not the least of these was ensuring the free flow of produce to the Motherland. The public would realise that the loading of ships with foodstuffs from Xew Zealand was one of the mo»t important activities connected with Xew Zealand's w r ar effort. "As citizens of Auckland are aware," added Mr. Darlow, "there have been many hold-ups on the wharves during the past few months. I regret these exceedingly, and I will not have it said that one ship was held up for five minutes longer than necessary by the action of the Auckland Harbour Board. Although I realise that the public of Auckland will be disappointed at the closing of Queen's wharf, I am sure they will understand the situation as I have explained it, and will accept the position with good grace."