DEEP-SEA PORT FOR TAURANGA

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 14656, 27 April 1948, Page 2

DEEP-SEA PORT FOR TAURANGA

INVESTIGATIONS BY DEPARTMENT

Progress Of Inquiries Revealed

Report Expected In District Shortly

The progress of the steps being taken to investigate the suitability of the Tauranga harbour as a deepsea port, was outlined by the secretary (Mr W. J. (Walker) to the monthly meeting of the Tauranga Harbour Board. The foreman (Mr C. M. F. Hayman) advised the board that the geological survey of the harbour was completed, and' had proved satisfactory from the mechanical aspect. Samples had been taken from various parts of the harbour. The secretary said he had ascertained what progress had been made by the department concerned in the investigations. He had been told that the Navy Department would not be able to carry out the work of taking soundings until the end of May or early in June. Certain equipment was available which, when fitted to a launch, permitted a quicker investigation than the now old-fashioned method of using a leadline. Examples of bores had proved very satisfactory, according to advice received by the board, and the Works Department was now awaiting a report from the Railways Department in regard to its investigations. The information was being assembled, and the secretary anticipated that a report would not be long-delayed. Reference to a newspaper report of inquiries made of the Auckland Harbour Board as to the suitability of the Auckland port for the export of timber, was made by th r e chairman (Mr J. D. Alach). His concern was allayed to a certain extent when his attention was drawn to the fact that the department must consider all possible export ports. The secretary explained that the Works Department had intimated that it proposed not to take soundings until the situation of the proposed deep-water facilities was decided. Speaking of the point raised by the chairman concerning inquiries of the Auckland port, Mr F. D. Donovan said the report had caused him concern, also. It appeared as if the Auckland port was out to grab everything possible. The chairman felt that there was ont thing in the Tauranga board’s savour, and that was the congestion at the Auckland port. His contention was supported by Mr J. Banks.