Barriers on the Wharf

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 149, 20 March 1931, Page 11

Barriers on the Wharf

Sir,—-On several occasions recently I have been barred by a chain fence from reaching the seaward end of Queen’s Wharf, when overseas vessels are berthed there. On each occasion the time was long prior to the vessels departure, or five or six hours after her arrival, so there was no fear of wharf visitors causing congestion of traffic. Can you inform me of any reason for this extraordinary, action? So far as my experience goes it is not in force anywhere else in the Dominion, nor at Cape Town, Melbourne, or Sydney.—l am, etc., PUZZLED. Wellington, March 9. [The regulation of pedestrian and wheeled traffic by means of barriers on the wharves prior to the departure or arrival of passenger ships is regarded by the Harbour Board as essential to the safety of the general public, the expeditious handling of the ships and their passengers and mails, and the smooth flow of a large volume of traffic in confined spaces to and from the ships. It is denied by the Board’s officials that any unnecessary restrictions are placed on the movements of the public. Chain barbiers are placed in position about an hour before the arrival of an oversea passenger ship nt Queen’s Wharf to keep people clear of the berth, and thus obviate possible accidents and facilitate mooring operations. These barriers are retained until the Customs authorities notify the Board’s officials that their work is finished. A chain barrier is placed across the main approach of Queens’ Wharf about two hours before the departure of an intercolonial or oversea passenger ship, an entrance charge of threepence being made to the general public. This barrier is removed immediately the ship commences to take her departure. Other chain barriers prevent access to the outer ends of the “tees” of the wharf until the departing ship is actually clear of the berth. Experience has shown that this is essential to the safety of people on. the wharf. The long immunity from accident at the arrival and departure of passenger ships, ami the expeditious working of passenger and other traffic on these occasons is held by the Board’s officials to fully justify the chain barrier system."]