Deep Sea Port For Whangarei Urged

Northern Advocate, 8 March 1947, Page 5

Deep Sea Port For Whangarei Urged

“THE establishment of a deep-water port at Whangarei is a long-sighted project and one which must be considered now. said Mr J. R. McCorquindale at a meeting of the Whangarei Chamber of Commerce last night.

A 20-foot deep harbour capable of accommodating vessels with displacements of between 8000 and 10,000 tons was a vital necessity, said Mr T. Busck.

Armitage. McCorquindale and W. R Vallance.

“The 40-hour week on the waterfront must come eventually,” said Mr J. F. Johnson. "The major ports can only cope with this by decentralisation."

Overseas shipping , lines would be concentrating on smaller ports for a quicker turnround.

The four main ports of the Dominion were congested at the present time, said the president (Mr W. L. McKinnon). Certain proposals regarding the improvement of facilities at the port had already been made by had expressed itself favourably on the chamber, and the Harbour Board them. PAYING HEAVtLY “Whangarei and Northland are paying heavy freights to import goods from Auckland once they have been unloaded there,” said Mr Busck. “The amount that may be saved in freight charges should also be invesI tigated. “If a deep-water harbour is established. it must inevitably follow that a freezing works will be erected in Whangarei.” This would save the expense incurred by railing stock to Auckland nacl other centres. On the motion of Mr Busck, it was | decided to set up a special committee to investigate the matter and report j back as soon as possible. The following members of the executive were elected: Messrs Busck, J.