FIFTY YEARS AGO

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 129, 3 June 1933, Page 8

FIFTY YEARS AGO

The question of the construction of a clock for the port of Wellington was discussed fifty, years ago at a meeting of the Harbour Board.- Mr. Coffey, at whose request the- meeting had been called, stilted that the question of dock accommodation hud never previously been considered by the board on its own account. Ho did not think that any sane man. in Wellington would say that it was not advisable to construct a graving dock. It was explained that Wellington was the first port of call for direct steamers, and as soon as the Panama Canal was opened it would be visited by the large, vessels coming through that channel. The trade of the colony was increasing and it was necqssary to make provision for the many cargo vessels which called here. Wellington was far behind Auckland and Diuiedin, which both had docks. The Patent Slip had not proved-so satisfactory a. public ebnvenienco as had been anticipated. About £80,000 would bo required to build the dock. After over a column of conversation tho meeting decided to await a communication from the Government on-the subject before taking action. . Cable news from London reported that a considerable portion of the British' King's cargo of meat was unfit for consumption. Many carcasses had been affected l?y mildew and were unsuitable for tho market. The s.Si Austral, which had beeu repaired at Sydney after going ashore, made, a trial trip outside. the. Sydney Heads prior to leaving- for a refit in Glasgow. Her run proved satisfactory, tho steamer attaining a, speed of 15 knots. . ■:'_■■,'.■ "Tho Post's" special correspondent in London' stated that \ four torpedo boats,were being prepared for this Government of New Zealand. Thege vessels wore designed respectively .for Auckland, Wellington, Christcnurcli, land Duncdin. . -. ' The new steamer Waverlcy, vphieh. had recently been built at Auckland for the Patea- Steam. Shipping Com-

pany, arrived in Wellington for the first time on. May 29, 1883. It will be ie membered from previous notes that trouble, had arisen over tho insurance of tho 'WaVerley, wliicli was then iuu ning without coverage. The vesbel was 96ft long and had a beam of 17±t Cm. Her tonnage 77 and s>ho could carry 90 tons. Her average speed was about 9 knots. &ho was fit ted with the engines oi the ss. Patea,, which had been-wrecked Thirty-two passengers could be carried. "The Post" expressed the opinion that the Waverley would be a "-very handy boat and one very suitable for the trade between "Wellington and Patca "