Congestion Still Acute At Port Of Lyttelton

Press, Volume C, Issue 29469, 22 March 1961, Page 16

Congestion Still Acute At Port Of Lyttelton

Lyttelton is not the only port to suffer from congestion, according to Captain G. I. Hughes, master of the 7251ton King David which is discharging general cargo at Lyttelton. Captain Hughes said that 18 months ago he spent five weeks outside Colombo, awaiting a berth and then another five weeks in port because of a labour shortage. Three vessels lay off Lyttelton heads last evening—the Icenic, Port Quebec and Narrandera. Although the Narrandera is expected to obtain a berth today, her place off the heads will probably be filled by the Port Hardy which is expected this afternoon. The port tonnage record has been broken again, according to the harbourmaster (Captain A. R. Champion). Yesterday afternoon the figures were:—inner harbour, 109,850 tons; outer harbour. 27,505 tons, making a record total of 137.355 tons. Previously the record figure was 131,000 tons. Several vessels lay idle all day yesterday. The Pacific trader Waitemata. the intercolonial freighter Kaimanawa. the coasters Tainui, Tawanui and Holmlea, were not worked but two other coasters. the River City and the Tiroa, worked with a crew gang each. Two more vessels have been diverted from Lyttelton They are the Papanui and the City of Swansea, both British freighters. Two small coastal vessels, the Pakura and the Kuaka. sailed last evening but their departure hardly affects the major problem of congestion. Similarly, the departure of the United States naval supply vessel Arneb for Wellington yesterday afternoon made

little impression on the situation as she was berthed at the oil wharf during her stay. Some berthage relief may be expected today with the expected departure of the King David for Adelaide the Port Wyndham for Dunkirk and the Greek motor ship Neptune for a destination as yet not known as she is being handed over to her owners after charter. One coastal vessel the Konini and the icebreaker Edisto are both expected to sail for Auckland, but these departures can only have a small impact on the major problems.