SHIPBUILDING IN AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13096, 8 February 1906, Page 4

SHIPBUILDING IN AUCKLAND.

We print to-day an article on the Auckland shipbuilding industry which, we venture to believe, will be perused by our readers with considerable interest. The extent to which this particular trade has grown will come as a surprise to most people. In a somewhat vague and general sort, of way it is known that shipbuilding is carried on in | Auckland, and that as regards the designing and building of yachts our local firms have won for themselves a high reputation. But possibly few have any idea of the dimensions to which the trade has grown dui*ing the last decade, in which period it has increased tenfold. Last year it is estimated that 700 workmen were engaged in this industry, and that the total amount of wages distributed reached the large sum of £68,000. The class of vessels turned out of our local shipbuilding yards is no longer confined to the smaller' craft, but ranges from the five-ton yacht to the 500 iron screw steamer. As a matter of fact, there is no reason why vessels of much greater tonnage should not be built here. We possess the necessary skill and facilities, Auckland-built vessels being noted for their workmanship, while they compare most favourably in every way with those constructed in any part of the world. There can be no doubt whatever that there is a great future in store for this industry. Auckland is destined, we believe, to become one of the leading shipbuilding centres of Australasia. At the present time nearly 200 Aucklandrbuilt vessels are in commission, and this number is feeing constantly increased. In view of these facts, it is scarcely necessary to emphasise the importance of this industry as a factor in the commercial development of the port. In the scheme of harbour imDrovements which has been adopted by the Harbour Board provision is made for special facilities for this trade, but while J his provision appears to be ample some disagreement exists as to the question cf tenure. Having regard, however, to the desirability of encouraging

local shipbuilding and the great possibilities which lie ahead of the industry, we are confident that this matter will be satisfactorily arranged. i