VICTORIA WHARF

Evening Star, Issue 21013, 29 January 1932, Page 9

VICTORIA WHARF

WORK OF RECONSTRUCTION RAIL CONNECTION PROSPECTS DISCUSSED When the monthly report of the engineer was being considered at last night’s meeting of the Otago Harbour Board, Mr J. M‘C. Dickson drew attention to what was being done in the way of reconstruction work on Victoria wharf, and went on to introduce the subject of the proposed rail connection, particularly in regard to the Chamber of Commerce discussion last Monday night. Mr Dickson said he had noticed that the Chamber of Commerce had been in communication with the Railway Department in regard to the rail connection with the wharf, and had been informed that the department could make no reduction in the proposed charge of 2s 6d a ton. From his reading of the discussion at the meeting of the chamber, it seemed that the members accepted the position in that there would be no reduction, but expressed the opinion that the charge would be prohibitive for importers. The chamber’s discussion had then switched over to the Kitchener street wharf, leaving the board to “ carry the baby,” as it were, in regard to what had already been done to Victoria wharf or any other expenditure that might be carried out. He thought it would be in the best interests of the board if this work were stopped in the meantime. If those interested could not take action in persuading the department to review the position, he certainly thought the work should be, stopped temporarily in order to give bodies an opportunity to assist the board in altering the outlook. The Chairman (Mr J. London); There is to be a conference between the chamber and the board at an early date. I think it would bo as well to delay action till the matter comes up for discussion then. The Engineer stated that the work on the wharf had been practically completed, except for tacking down the decking. He did not want to do this permanently till the points aqd crossings arrived. The Chairman again suggested that nothing could be done till the conference had been held. Mr Tyson said it would be as well to bring pressure to bear on the Railway Department and make it justify its proposed charge. Mr Loudon: That has been done. I think efforts are being made to get Mr Sterling and the board to meet us in Dunedin. A Member: You’ll never get the board. Mr Loudon remarked that if 2s' 6d a ton were to be charged for the taking of goods through the yard, the cost of railing grain from, 'say, Balclutha to the wharf ivould be out of all reason. Mr J. B. Waters said they would not be concerned so much with grain as with wool, fruit, and general produce. He hoped that when they had this conference they would get the support not only of the chamber, but also of the Farmers’ Union, the Manufacturers’ Association, the City Council, and other bodies. They should bring to bear all the pressure they could in tho matter. Mr F, E. Tyson said it might be advisable to hold this conference as early as possible. Judging from the discussion at its meeting, the chamber was not too smpathetic towards the board. Mr H. C. Campbell: There is nothing in the department’s argument about the position created through taking goods through the passenger yards. Mr J. H. Duncan: No. Every goods train has to go through the passenger yards before it gets to the goods yard. At this stage the discussion lapsed.