Grey River Argus WEDNESDAY, February 22, 1928. THE STATE OF THE PORT.

Grey River Argus, 22 February 1928, Page 4

Grey River Argus WEDNESDAY, February 22, 1928. THE STATE OF THE PORT.

Although there is now, as indeed for some time past there has been, an expenditure of at least £lOOO monthly upon its development, the port of Greymouth is failing in an increasing degree to meet the trading requirements of the district. This fact is illustrated in several ways. One steamer after another has for quite a long time been leaving here only partly loaded. Many have to go on to Westport in order to complete their coal lading. When theyare able to do this, of course, the economic loss is limited to this district. Where, however, the cargo carried is timber, the loss extends more widely, as it affects the shipping owners, as well as those ivhose orders cannot be here completed, not to mention the producers. In the case of the overseas timber trade, there is a certain economic standard in the size of the vessels engaged, below which it is unprofitable to go. Consequently if the steamers of thai standard cannot complete loading here, the tendency must be to reduce the export, because the shipowners are bound to look for some

more remunerative port. It is significant that while the collieries whose shipping orders depend upon the workability of this port, have this year experienced a continuance of the slackness -which prevailed last year, the collieries whose output is shipped fromWestport have this year experienced a very busy time, and, at the same time, a considerable improvement in production upon that of last year. If nothing else points to the necessity for an improvement in this harbour, that fact certainly does. The mines hereabouts are favourably situated for the Canterbury and probably a margin of the Otago market, but the records of past years demonstrate that a greater scope for the Grey district mines is reouired if production is to remain at a profitable level. We have reason ti believe that the shipping interests are much perturbed at the condition, of this port. If there is a reduction in shipping revenue such as to create this misgiving, it is as well to point out that it might possibly lead to the shipowners curtailing their services. Certainly, it has to be acknowledged tha* natural conditions this year have been adverse to the port. The. lengthy dry spell has been tlie main factor in reducing the workability of the bar. To that extent, those responsible for the efficiency of the port have been the victims of circumstances over which they have no control. But this realisation only emphasises the unwisdom of waiting upon nature. to provide a workable bar. The Harbour Board is working upon a scheme designed to render the port equal to present requirements, but the delay, from whatever cause, in meeting actual requirements is dangerous. Men are being put on at Buller mines, and the gain in that district is at the expense of this district. There is thus every reason for the local harbour authority to hasten its I measures for an improvement in the capacity of the port. The Government ought not to be considered the final arbiter. Its interest must be to foster the trade of the railway. The latest return': for timber exportation show that, while the railway more than maintains its average figures, the port, does not. The suggestion, therefore, that the port improvement scheme be under the direction of an engineer responsible rathe? Io the Board than to the Government should be considered in relation to the present condition of the bar. As things are, a flood is awaited to improve the bar. It may come immediately, and it may not come for one month or two months. In the meantime, trade suffers, and workers lose wages, with the result that local business in many of its ramifications suffers. The scheme of improvement ought to be speeded up. It is a false philosophy to persuade (any community that optimism is sure lo bring prospei’ ity, when those in the best position to judge are convinced that obstacles io prosperity are in-

creasing. It is common knowledge that all of the larger vessels whieh regularly trade here canuo’ at present load up to within several hundred tons of their capacity. It is only ordinary prudence to conclude that such a thing ought to be prevented from recur ring next summer, anil now is the time to take steps in that direction. We have a Harbour Board composed partly of non-resident members, and also restricted to such an extent in initiative that the Chairman is prone to make the attitude of the Marine Department the. first consideration in any matter of policy. The proof of the pudding is the eating, and if the state of the port is less satisfactory now than it has been for a long time past, it is proof of the need for a change of policy. Therefore the scheme in hand should be hastened to the point where it will be tested and, if it fails, the alternatives advocated ought to be given a trial.