ADVANCE OAMARU.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLI, Issue 134, 8 June 1907, Page 7

ADVANCE OAMARU.

O A HOME BOAT AT THE WHARF. [PKSSS ASSOCIATION.] OAMARU, June 7. To-day is a red-letter day in the history of the port of Oamaru. Following on the completion of the Holmes wharf, the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company's steamer Waiwera, of 6,237 tons, was safely berthed this morning. The Mayor and the Chairman and members of - the Harbour Board met the vessel and accorded the captain an official welcome, the officers afterwards being entertained at luncheon in the Star and Garter Jlotel. It is four years since the last direct steamer called at Oamaru—in June, 1093, the Maori shipped 16,570. carcases of mutton and 364 quarters of beef. The Waiwera will take away on the present occasion a record shipment of over 20,000 carcases." The successful handling of the Waiwera means that upwards of twenty Home steamers, which hitherto could not do so, will be able to make Oamaru a port of call. The new harbour arrangements will permit the whole of the meat frozen at Oamaru to be shipped direct. Last season upwards of 106,000 sheep ana lambs were sent from the local freezing-works, only 10,699 of which were shipped at the port. From Ist July, 1906, to Bth June, 1907, 88,000 carcases have been put through, and over 32,000 will be shipped direct because of the Waiwera's visit.