CALLIOPE DOCK ACCOMMODATION

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 292, 3 September 1908, Page 7

CALLIOPE DOCK ACCOMMODATION

FUTURE REQUIREMENTS. "i VJbi TEXiGiiirn.—srici.vL countsroNDZUT.) » Auckland, September 2. In a• letter laid before the Harbour Board yesterday, Sir" Richard Po'orej commander-in-chief on the Australian • Station, stated that. he regretted: beingrunable 'to give any \-ery decided reply to the board's letter as to. the docking requirements of his Majesty's ships in waters, it being .impossible to-forecast'events for the next ten /or i fifteen years. Assuming: that, the size ■ of. ships for these waters would. bo governed ; liy the' Harbour accommodation available for them, the admiral was of opinion that his .Majesty's . ships in those, waters, would not exceed the following dimensions during the next ten years Length (over all), 562 ft.; beam, 78Jft."; and draught, 30ft. With Regard to the question of widening tho dock to admit ships of the Dreadnought class, taking into consideration the Admiralty's interest in tho Calliope Dock, he thought the matter sliiuld be referred to the Admiralty. It ,Tyould ) : ,of course, be a great advantage to jiaye a dock in Auckland which-would meet Jill possible requirements, but the additional outlay" ta'olved'and the" present small reason .for expecting ships of Dreadnought dimensions' in theso waters rendered the proposed extension a matter, to bo gravely considered. Tho greatest length of cruisers now building was 562 ft. L -Tho 'dimensions of ships of the Royal Navy and the Mercantile Marine were increasing daily, and it was difficult to forecast what'might bo expected. It was ilso very difficult to forecast tho effect on trade which would result from tho completion -of-the-Pana'ma Canal. If Auckland could h.ivo a dock capable of holding any sizo of vessel which could pass through the cans} ;in; readiness for tho completion of that work, if should, in combination with the advantages of tho harbour,; placo .the city in a strong position from tho mercantile as troll at the naval point ofviow. Tho letter was referred to tho board in committee. .