THE PROPOSED WHARF AT LAKE TAKAPUNA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9188, 18 October 1888, Page 6

THE PROPOSED WHARF AT LAKE TAKAPUNA.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —As the Lake district improves we inhabitants as well as the people of Auckland find the great want is a landing-place for steamers to come alongside. We tried for Shoal Bay, but the expense , 4.1.— — i-— 1 - U ii a landing-place at the reef, and the County Council sent their surveyor to estimate the cost. Now, I have nothing to say against Mr. Wilson's plan except that the cost is so great that the money can never be raised; but as half a loaf is better than none, so would part of his plan do for our present use. We have the reef, let us use that, and let us get that portion of the wharf built, so that steamers can come alongside, and the people walk ashore on the reef when the tide will let them ; and, if covered, then a footbridge on single posts let in through the lava. The lava is very easily worked, and about seven feet thick. To land cargo I would have a tram line, and the rails fastened on to the lava reef. This would not prevent the whole of Mr. Wilson's plan being carried out in a year or so, as funds were forthcoming, and the line of posts of footbridge could be used to make the pier, if it were afterwards settled to carry out the whole plan of Mr. Wilson. Now, about the money. The first rata struck in this district by the Waitemata County Council was for the purpose of buying a piece of land for a cemetery at Devon port, and I believe the land was purchased. Then Devon port left and started for themselves, and have settled not to use the land for a cemetery. It was also settled that they were to pay back £300 to the County Council as a portion paid in rates by the Lake and Northcote districts. Now, is there any thing unreasonable in asking the Council to enforce the payment of this £300, and expending the money on a wharf here ' In return, we, Lake people, will be quite willing to find underground accommodation free, not only to those of Devonport but Auckland as well. Trusting that something may be done towards our getting a wharf.l am, &c., Edwin Harrow. Buona Vista, Lake Takapuna.