SLIPWAYS FOR THE PORT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15307, 21 May 1913, Page 8

SLIPWAYS FOR THE PORT.

HARBOUR .BOARD'S POSITION. The installation of slipways by the Harbour Board for the purpose ; of ■ raising . vessels for overhaul, 7is the subject of opposing arguments lately laid before .the board.' :" The,'; Shipowners' Federation- has written urging the board to 'complete its patent slips as. early as possible. Messrs. A. Honderson and Son, oh' the other hand,, have written protesting against,the board I extending its activities 'in; this ' direction, and ■ so .•; entering into 5 competition' with j those of its tenants who ■ are £in business j as slipowners. J ; -~■,' ■.:' " : . . i.' ■;, .'■- ''■;.':. ' f,,, The .matter'way argued briefly at yester-! day's meeting of the board. , Mr. J. H. j Bradney strongly opposed the suggestion that the board: should not enter into the ! business, seeing that insufficient slip accommodation existed in the port, and shipowners were subjected to vexatious delays. I He hoped the board would not only com-1 plete the slips, \ ,but would, if j necessary - build another.: ... . . . ;,. -", I ■ Mr. G. Bagley supported this view, ' and I .said it was the more worthy of attention as the Auckland Dock would probably be done away with before long. / " < The chairman (Mr. J. H. Gunson) said I that Mr. Bradney had correctly "outlined the policy, of the board in regard to its i slips They were not a very i profitable investment, ; but it was the clear duty-of' the port authority to provide the neces- l sary accommodation- if . others did not do so. , \ ■-•; The whole question -; was : deferred for further consideration for three , months.'