VICTORIA WHARF

Evening Star, Issue 21037, 26 February 1932, Page 15

VICTORIA WHARF

RAIL CONNECTION HELD OVER BOARD REPLIES TO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SCHEME TO BE RECONSIDERED AFTER TWELVE MONTHS By five votes to four the Otago Harbour Board last night decided to shelve the question ot proceeding with its agitation to have the V ictoria Wharf Jinked to the mam railway system by way of the V\ ickliffe street line. The decision was the result ot a discussion on a motion recently carried by the Chamber of Commerce and allied bodies attacking the scheme. Strong defences ot the board’s policy were made by mem- . bers, the opinion being expressed that the chamber had acted without full knowledge of the facts, and that the chamber, being a seltelected body, was wrong in dictating a policy to a body elected by the public. The board’s decision was prompted by reasons of economy. The scheme js not being abandoned. It is merely Chamber 0 f Commerce forwarded iho following motion:— “ That this meeting of representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, Manufacturers’ Association, Otago Importers and Association; btock and Station Agents’ Association, and Grain Merchants’ Association strongly disapproves of the action of the Harbour Board in laying rails on Victoria wharf with the full knowledge that the charge for haulage via Wickliffe street would be prohibitive. The meeting, also * recommends that a committee ot independent experts be appointed to go into the* matter for the most suitable and economic rail access to the waterfront, and also the most suitable position for overseas import and export wharves.

BOARD HAS ACTED RIGHTLY. “What do you think about that?” asked the chairman (Mr J. Loudon). Personally, I see no objection to their appointing a committee of independent experts to go into the question, although I believe the Harbour Board has done the right thing in laying the rails on the Victoria wharf. It seems to me to be the only possible connection available. Certain criticism has been levelled at the board in the Press that it has changed its policy in this matter. I think that is quite wrong. The policy to make the Victoria wharf The deep sea frontage of Dunedin was commenced, 1 think, in 1911, and everything the board has done up to the present time has Been leading to that. Some of us fought very strongly to get the Anzac avenue; one of the principal objects of the highway was to open up the Frederick street area and to give a good entrance to the deep sea frontage. As older members know, we negotiated with the Railway Department for two overhead bridges—at Frederick and Hanover streets—but after a good deal of negotiation the department agreed to give us ajfour-ramp overhead bridge at Manover street. Tho board decided that that Would be Sufficient. The board has adhered to its decision to obtain railway connection with the wharf via Wickliffe street from the start. It is the only possible connection with the waterfront.* Connection via Richardson street may have been quite good in the early days, but the board’s property is now settled, and such a route now seems to me to be impracticable. A sewer runs down Richardson street, and if a railway track were laid down, tho sewer would have to be strengthened at great cost. It is a 66ft street, and it would b® impossible to have one or two lines of rails down the street. Then there is the insuperable difficulty that the City Council lias laid down the hard and fast principle not to allow any railway trades across or along any of its streets, with the exception of those granted already, Wickliffe and Fryatt streets. The other scheme suggested is Birch street. To make a deep sea berthage at Kitchener street wharf is' foing to cost a very large sum of money, feel convinced that any independent experts who go into this question completely and take into consideration all the factors governing it will agree that we have done the right thing. I do not think the board has any need to fear any investigation to. be made by independent experts,”-

NOT FAIR OB JUST CRITICISM. “I always believed in what we call wholesome criticism, -it the same time 1 look upon criticism without knowledge as a handicap to progress, and as far as I am as a member of the Otago Harbour Board, I don’t look upon the letter which you have read from the Chamber of Commerce as either a fair or just criticism of the action taken by this board in laying rails on Victoria wharf, and in developing berthing accommodation for large vessels at Dunedin without what they think due consideration,” said Captain Coll M'Donald. Ever since he had been a member of this board, now seven years, he had voted for everything that went to improve Victoria wharf and* its continuation to the north for large ships. He knew from expert knowledge obtained that it would bo against economical, working to develop berthage accommodation for overseas or largo ships anywhere else. Some critics he knew said that the board should have developed the head of the harbour up against the southern endowment. Development at the head of the harbour might be all right if the board only had to make provision for what they called in this country Lord Jellicoe’s fourteen-footers. If they drew a line from Waverley Point on the Peninsula side to the end of the Birch street wharf, a boy measuring sft in height could walk .across at low water to Birch street wharf with his head out of the water, with the exception of a small gutter alongside of Kitchener street wharf which they had to dredge almost every few months to maintain a depth of 17ft or 18ft, and all the space between such line and the south endowment wall carried only an average 'of about 3ft of water at low tide. COST OF DREDGING. /‘Now, supposing we wish to dredge this space to the depth required foi large oversea vessels and build wharves in this space, we would have to remove 21,000,000 tons of spoil, and it would take thirty-five years at the present rate of dredging, and the cost would be £700,000,” said Captain McDonald. These figures have been obtained from the engineer of tlie board. Apart front the time of dredging and cost, where could the spoil bo deposited? The cost §iven is based on the present cost of redging. Apart from all this, 1 feel sure that no expert would recommend the building of wharves on such foundation of soft mud, and the cost would) be enormous. “ 1 will now deal with the aim of the board in developing Victoria wharf, as may be required, in a northerly direction. We have at present, from Port Chalmers to Victoria wharf, a depth of 21ft at low tide, and it will not be very long until wo will have \

24ft at low tide. You will therefore see that the board is justified in their action in developing the Victoria wharf in a northerly direction. Now, as far as the question of laying rails on Victoria wharf is concerned, 1 do not go back one atom on the vote which 1 have cast for laying rails on Victoria wharf, in,August, 1930, for the reason that 1 know that rail connection with Victoria wharf is a matter which numb come, and the sooner the better for the welfare of the port. The wharf lias had to be renewed and the rails have been laid in a proper manner at the board’s expense, as is done at other ports, and the rails laid will last Hie life of the wharf, or in other words, they will last for forty to fifty years. The board had laid two sots of rails in such a manner that, if ever required, three sets could ho laid, said Captain M'Donald, when sheds were being ienewed, but in his opinion, two sets would always-bo sufficient, tor the reason that he did not bolievo that 2 per cent, of imported goods would go on railtrucks, but ho felt that it will bo different with exports, etc. It was true that the connecting link was a matter which required further negotiations with interested parties, and as lar as the rails on Victoria wharf wore concerned the connection could be made by any street or track available. But as the board had reserved the land at Wickliffe street for the purpose of the necessary rail connection to the Victoria wharf, about twenty or twentyfive years ago, and then apparently approved of by the Railway Department, he felt that it was absurd to ask the board to make any other provision at this hour, as the Marine Department approved of plan of Victoria wharf 'to carry railway traffic. The board had secured the Milburu Lime and Cement Company’s sections for tho purpose of having the necessary space for assembling the trucks to and from Victoria wharf. COMMON-SENSE CHARGE NEEDED. “ As far as I am concerned, I see no reason why any extra charge should be made for taking goods from, say, Balclutha, to such assembling position at the foot of Wickliffe street, than it would be taking it to Birch street wharf,” said Captain M'Donald. “-As all members know, the above remarks are founded on tho knowledge the hoard has gathered from the various experts for many years past. Rut 1 must say that this is the first time in my fifty years of experience all oyer the world that I have heard of criticism that would desire that a harbour board should bring harbour improvements to existing railway yard instead of railway facilities following the natural development of the port. I i ild say a lot more, but in' conclusion let me say that Victoria wharf, with its rails on, cannot be now shifted to any other position, either to suit the Railway Department or anyone else, and the sooner, in my opinion, common sense is exercised over the cost of haulage the sooner we will have rail facilities to Victoria wharf. I am quite sure that if the connection is made via Wickliffe street the board could do all tho shuiiting required from a siding at Milburn Limo and Cement Company’s section to and from the Victoria wharf for 4d or 6d per ton. Some of tho critics say, ‘ Why not use the Birch street wharf for oversea vessels?’ Well, it is true that with some dredging that could be done. But first, we have to spend £35,000 on renewing the wharf, and „ even then we would only have space for two unoderate-sized vessels. Again, where could we provide for our coastal trade, etc., without rail connection P We have 5,800 ft of wharf front and only I,looft connected at present with rail. As a member of tbo board, I have tried to make myself quite clear in a practical way, to the people who voted me on to the board, where I am trying to give free and willing service to all who live within the province of Otago.” Captain M'Donald said he had perused the files of thirty years, and no experts had taken exception to the board reserving Wickcliffe street thirty years ago. Why rail connection with Victoria wharf had not been obtained years ago was a mystery to him. The sooner they settled down to business and forgot their family squabbles the sooner would they have facilities for handling goods at the port in better order. Mr T. Anderson said that in view of the depression and the differences of opinion between the board and the Chamber of Commerce, it would be wise to hold up the question until conditions improved. At present the amount of shipping, and cargo to be handled over the railway was negligible. By a majority vote the board had decided not to accept tho department’s conditions, and the present was not a wise time to move for better conditions. The difference of opinion expressed would play into the Government’s hands. NOT BUSINESSLIKE, Mr F. E. Tyson: It was reported in the Press that the board was aware that the Railway Department would make a charge of 2s 6d a ton before the rails were laid on Victoria wharf. Is that correct? 1 Tho Chairman: I understand so. “ Don’t you think it was a very unbusinesslike piece of business to put the rails on the wharf?” asked Mr Tyson. The Chairman: 1 think it «as the' right thing. Mr Tyson: Well, as long as you are satisfied; but, as a business man, it seems to me that you should have settled with the Railway Department. Mr D. F. H. Sharpe said ho had opposed the scheme from the commencement, for the reason that tho board was given to understand that the charge would certainly be in the vicinity of 2s 6d a ton, at the least. He had prophesied that the rails, if laid, would rust away for want of use, and ho was much afraid that tho prophecy would come true. The board should have come to terms with i.io i.a.lway Department, but, by a majority vote, the then chairman (Captain M'Donald) arranged to go ahead with the work, which, to his mind, was a step in the dark. He had to admit that he did not approve of tlie Chamber of Commerce dictating a policy to tho Harbour Board, but the board had to remember that the resolution was tho outcome of its request to local bodies for assistance. The resolution and other information published in the Press regarding the meeting of the bodies should receive the serious consideration of the board. He moved: “ That the points raised by tho Chamber of Commerce be referred to a special committee to report in duo course to the board, the committee to consist of Messrs Loudon, Waters, Tyson, and Dickson.” Mr H. C. Campbell seconded the motion. DEPARTMENT’S RENT ESCAPES. A good deal of unfair criticism had been levelled at the board, said Mr W. Begg, and he welcomed the statement by “he chairman and the comprehensive report by Captain M'Donald The charge had been made that the board had njado this mistake and other mistakes. Ho admitted that the board had made many mistakes, and the Chamber of Commerce had also made many mistakes. , Captain .M'Donald (facetiously): They could not! And, likewise, the Railway Department made mistakes, numerous instances being seen close to hand, said

Mr Begg. Still, he was not out to criticise tho Railway Department for tho mistake it was making in this matter. The charges were simply made by the department to suit itself, and it was standing in its own light. Individually and collectively, they had been out to assist the department for some time past, as tho department had been up against it. Competition and declining business had compelled tho department to clean out its house, and a golden opportunity was presented to tho department to help itself and tho board by providing railway connection with Victoria wharf. The charges involved in renewing the Birch street wharf would be enormous. Had the department or any of tho critics viewed the matter irom another angle—what had the department taken from the hoard in the way of reclaimed land? The department had taken seventy acres of land.

The Chairman: Seventy-four acres. The land adjoining the seventy-four acres brought in an annual rent of £250 a year to the board, said Mr Begg, and, computing on that return, the board was losing £17,500 annually by the department’s action. Whether it was the hoard’s mistake to let the department take the land or due to Hobson’s choice, was it asking too much from the Railways or any other department to give a little back as quid pro quo by connecting the wharf and abolishing the charge of 2s Cd a ton? So far as the expert commission was concerned, he was sure that the board would submit to it the details of operations. However, there arose in his mind the question of who was going to pay for the commission. Tho Chairman:-The Chamber of Commerce. A Member: At the board’s expense, “ Never ’’ was the chorus from members. The board was asking nothing outrageous, said Air Begg. The department was being presented with a glorious opportunity. The board would have to decide whether or not it would acquiesce to the chamber’s request for a commission to inquire into the board’s misdeeds of the past. Air A. Campbell asked if tho statement that the total cost of the rail connection would be £14,000 was correct. Captain M'Donald replied that the total cost was £4,300; but the board had saved £1,300 by placing the rails on. the wharf now instead of waiting till the wharf was renewed. • LAPSES OF CRITICS. After congratulating tho members in the lucid explanations, Mr J. B. Waters said most critics of harbour boards forgot that harbour board policies were governed by three factors — navigation, engineering, and economy. At present, it seemed to him, discussions would be largely academic, ns a matter for serious consideration was as to where the ‘board was to obtain £4,000 to make the railway connection. Again, critics of harbour board policies forgot that no board was given a clean slate on which to write. To-day the board was governed by decisions of thirty or forty years ago. Their predecessors had visualised\ tho future needs and the board had to deal with the factors as it found them. He pointed out to the critics that before they offered criticism they should be fully informed upon those points, or their criticism would not bo welcomed. With the co-ordination and co-opera-tion of the various bodies interested, they would be able to obtain better terms than those now offering from the Railway Department. Air Tyson said ho could not see that any good purpose could be achieved by setting up a committee, as suggested by Air Sharpe. The Chairman said a railway connection committee was already in existence. Captain M'Donald: “I a<p-ee that no purpose could be served.’ “ That is a question for the hoard,” retorted Mr Sharpe, who finally withdrew his motion. Mr Anderson then moved that as the board had requested the Chamber of Commerce’s co-operation and owing to the lack of cargo and the economic depression, the question be deferred for twelve months, after which it could be renewed. Air A. Campbell seconded the motion. , “ £ s, d. is the question,” remarked Mr Sharpe. He read a report by the engineer in 1929, giving, the cost of the railway at £22,767. The Chairman: That was for the renewal of the wharf. Air Sharpe: “ Aly point is that more expense was put into the wharf to carry the rails. If we had wanted only an ordinary wharf, it would not have cost £22,000.” The Chairman: You could have made a cheaper wharf without provision forrails.

SHUNTING IN WICKLIFFE ' STREET.

A fact lost sight of by many people was that the Wickliffe street lino was being used daily in serving the three oil companies, said Air H. C. Campbell. From the point where shunting was being carried out daily to the point where connection was desired with the Victoria wharf was very short indeed. The Chairman: That is so. Mr H. H. Driver said the board was assured by the then chairman that the charge of 2s 6d a ton had not been finalised, and that tho charge would probably be reduced by half. Conditions were- different now, and the department, he thought, could dq the haulage at a much cheaper price. He did not think the Chamber of Commerce was out to criticise the board, but that the chamber was out to help tho board. The Railway Department would come to light. OBJECTION TO DICTATION. Mr Arch. Campbell said he agreed with tlie statements made by the chairman. The Chamber of Commerce'was self elected, and any body elected by the people should have a voice beiore tho chamber. Tho Harbour Board was in a better position to know its business than that body. It would bo wise to bold the question up; lour months ago Air H. C. Campbell bad made that statement to the board, The wharf accommodation in the Lower and Upper Harbours was ample to meet the needs of the board for the next twelve months. If the figures revealed that Ravensbourne and Fort Chalmers bad contributed a profit of £7,000 annually, tlie Lower Harbour bad contributed largely to keep the finances of tlie board in a strong position. Hie amount (£7,200) required for the wharf extension was a large sum, and tlie board could not raise the money unless another cut in staff wages was made. Ho was completely opposed to any such action. Further, be disapproved of tlie action of the Chamber of Commerce in telling a body elected by the ratepayers its business. He agreed with the policy of the board. “I. look upon the suggestion to defer tho matter as a mistake,” said Captain Al'Donald. “We should continue until we get what wo want. It is now only a question of the Railway Department agreeing to connect the wharf with the Wickliffe street line. Wo should keep our business going, ft is not for anybody else to say wnat we should do.” Mr Begg: Keep going as long as you have steam up.

VOICE OF THE PEOPLE. Mr Loudon opposed the motion. The connection was provided ior in tho £350,000 loan scheme. He did not hold with anybody who said the board was wrong in putting tho rails on the wharf. Surely 100,000 people in Otago had some say in what they wanted, and surely they knew as well as Mr Sterling what they required and what was the best way of connecting the wharf with the railway system. Tho policy had been mapped out for twenty years, ana now, on tho eve of completion, the scheme was being blocked by the Question of the haulage charge from tho yard to Wickliffe street. The people 'should rise and insist on a reduced charge. The department charged 10s Gd a ton for hauling class E goods from Balclutha to Port Chalmers, yet it wanted 2s Gd a ton for hauling 1,000 yards. * Mr H. C. Campbell said the department hauled coal from tho West Coast and delivered into the gasworks for 24s Gd a ton. The Chairman said that the committee of experts would see that the board had taken the broad and long view. Mr Tyson : Would it not be advisable to leave it to tho committee of experts? Mr Loudon said the board had placed the rails on the wharf, and it was for the users to get the connection. “And who is going ot pay for the connection?” asked Mr Sharpe. Mr Loudon: We have always understood that we have to pay. Mr Sharpe: It was only in recent months that we found that out, and we then decided to do it. The board would certainly have a claim if there was no railway connection to the port. We cannot overlook the fact that there are lines to the Birch street and Port Chalmers wharves. Does the demand require a railway to Victoria wharf? ■ In reply 7 to Mr Driver, tile Chairman said that as a matter of policy the Railway Board would not receive any deputations. Mr Driver: Why don’t we see the Prime Minister? CLOSE VOTING. On a vote being taken, Mr Anderson’s motion was carried by six votes to four, the voting being: Ayes— Mbssrs Waters, Tyson, Sharpe, H. C. and A. Campbell, and Anderson; noes —Messrs Loudon, Driver, Begg, and Captain M‘Don a Id. Mr Tyson remarked that the scheme was not dropped. It was merely suspended for twelve months. The board decided to forward a copy of the resolution to the Chamber of Commerce. It was stated that the cross-overs for the railway connections had arrived, having been ordered some time ago. Mr Sharpe: They will keep the rails company. Captain M'Donald warned the board that it was going to be in a very serious position in regard to the Birch street wharf.

As to the completion of the rails on Victoria wharf, the board decided that the engineer and chairman should confer as to the most economical arrangement.