BE PREPARED FOR BIGSHIPS.

Evening Star, Issue 14003, 9 March 1909, Page 4

BE PREPARED FOR BIGSHIPS.

PORT CHALMERS ENDORSES THE ■■-■'* The natural facilities that exist for accommodating the largest oversea isteiimers with deep-water berthage in .Otago Harbor was <Je§pribecl in tbeije columns last" Saturday. The proposal to utilise these essential factors of a flourishing seaport was heartily endorsed at the meeting of the Port Chalmers Council yesterday evening. The subject was brought up by Cr Asher, who said he experienced tho pleasure that must have been shared by all present on reading the sub-leader in Saturday's JStar' dealing with the need for increased wharf accommodation. The accompanying descriptive article clearly set forth the valuable improvement that could be so easily accomplished. He felt sure that every resident of Port .Chalmers cordially agreed with every word written. With the object of helping the matter to frmtjon he would move that the attention of Mr'E. H. Clark, MJP., be called to the urgent need for an extension of the export wharf, in order that more adequate berthing accommodation for shipping visiting tins port be provided, and that he be asked to bring the matter under the notice of the Minister of Railways for favorable consideration. Cr Asher's motion experienced no hostile influence in becomirfg the resolu-' tion of the Council. The motion drew forth the support of matured conviction expressed in enthusiastic terras. Cr Weir said the proposed improvement was a step very much in the right direction, for a deep-water berth wasi urgently required, and the site at the 1 end of the export pier was the only place available for the purpose. The Mayor was sure that the proposal to carry out such a necessary work had the sympathy of every councillor present. They were all aware that on his recent visit to this port the Admiral had to leave his flagship outside the Heads, as there was ho berth at the wharves deep enough to suit the vessel's draught.' Had the proposed deep-water berthage been available at that time, so that the vessel could have come alongside, the reputation of *ho Harbor would have been established and the presence on shore of, her I crew of 600 men would have benefited the tradespeople. In the past these disabilities had existed, but he thought the present Harbor Board would give attention to the Lower Harbori He had read with pleasure the able setting of tho position in the ' Evening Star, and appreciated the helpful articles that appeared time and again. ; The ' Star' was the friend of tho working men, and it was largely through its aid at one stage that the construction of tho dock was not shelved indefinitely. ! The articles that appeared on Satur- : day had again earned the thanks of the community for showing how easily this Harbor could bo made second to none jin the Dominion. When visiting [northern cities he had been twitted with tho lack of accommodajtion in Otago Harbor for big steamers, but " tho time is not far distant when we will show them that we will accommodate the biggest ships that come to the colonies with dock and wharf conveniences." Ho was sure Mr Clark would carefnlly represent the matter to the Minister of Railways, and, ; it was to bo hoped, with good results. | It tho Government declined to extend the railway wharf and the extension of the Bowen pier was all that was necessary to secure the deep-water tidal berth, then ho felt confident tho Harbor Board would move in the matter. The additional berthing space was a necessary adjnnct to the new dock, and in tho near future Mr Mill expected to see two or three Home steamers moored at the wharves waiting their turn for docking.