Immediate Planning On Lyttelton Wharf Widening

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29890, 2 August 1962, Page 9

Immediate Planning On Lyttelton Wharf Widening

Pending approval of the board’s empowering bill byParliament, the Lyttelton Harbour Board yesterday agreed that plans for the widening of No. 7 wharf and building a shed on it should be prepared immediately. Members agreed that the work should be begun with the least possible delay to reduce the time between completion of the road tunnel and harbour works to take road transport.

The bill, which authorises development of the inner harbour, including the moving of the small btat harbour. has been read a first time and referred to the Local B'lls Committee. Mr N. E. Kirk. M.P for Lyttelton. advised the board that the committee would probably consider the bill in about three weeks. “I don't think we should just stand by idly and allow our work to go according to schedule: we have got to give it a bit of a boost." said Mr L. G Amos. “If the road tunnel is not going to be used for 12 months it will

mean a big loss to the people of Canterbury, so even if it is gaing to cost us a bit more. I think we should speed up our works.” The chairman (Mr A. A Macfarlane*: We are running dead on schedule. “People I have spoken to always thought the works were going hand in hand,” Mr Ames said. He was referring to Mr Macfarlane’s statements at the recent meeting cf local bodies which considered coordination of port, tunnel and roading works. ‘ You have cleared up any misunderstandings.” Mr Amos said. Mr W B. Laing asked if the No. 7 wharf work would be done by the board’s staff or whether it could be done quicker bv calling tenders and having the work done by a private contractor. The board had an excellent staff, he said, but it was very busy. Mr Macfarlane replied that consideration of that aspect could be given next month, when the engineer-in-chief 'Mr J. A. Cashin) would be able to report on the work. Boat Harbour Support for the board’s bill was promised by a deputation from the Banks Peninsula Cruising Club led by its president <Mr W. M. Cotter). His club was prepared to make subnrssions to the Local Bills Committee, if the board thought they would help. .Mr Cotter said. If the new boat harbour was not authorised, it could mean the end of yachting in Lyttelton Over-emphasis might have been given to a yacht harbour. he said. What was proposed was a small b’.at harbour, which would include facilities for fishing craft. “It would be a good thing if you gave evidence to the committee,” Mr Macfarlane replied. “It is true that it is a

small boat harbour. There would be no point in moving the yachts if we were not going to move the fishing boats. The fishing industry is of great importance ’ to Lyttelton and Canterbury; and we recognise that.” He did not see any probability of the yachts being disurbed for several years. Mr Macfarlape added “This is a fairly long-term plan.” To a member of the deputation who said it had been indicated that extension of No. 7 wharf would do away with 20 to 25 yacht moorings. Mr Macfarlane said it was visualised that the wharf would be used by coastal ships, and the harbourmaster (Captain A. R. Champion) said they could be berthed on the west side without .disturbing the yachts.