AUCKLAND AS A PORT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15504, 10 January 1914, Page 6

AUCKLAND AS A PORT.

The future of Auckland as a great port is guaranteed not only by its present advantages but also by the fact that it is easily capable of indefinite development. Lord Fine, than whom there is ho greater authority, has declared that an " Empire Port" should have a minimum depth of 45 feet of water. Auckland is one of the comparatively few sheltered ports in the world which can meet, such requirements. In our sheltered harbour, as is pointed out by Mr. Gunson, are large areas affording anchorages with 40 to 50 feet of water. The Queen's Wharf has 40 feet of water at the lowest tides, which can easily be deepened if ever required. The Rangitoto Channel is open at favourable states of the tide to vessels drawing 45 feet of water, and could be made available at all times with comparatively little work- There is no need at the moment for any deepening of berths or channels, for Auckland can accommodate with .ease any vessel in the southern hemisphere, and showed its advantage when " the gift Dreadnought" lay at the very foot of Queen Street. It is satisfactory to know, however, that the possibilities of the port easily exceed any contemplated increase in the size and draught of ships. Transport development is constantly eliminating shallow ports from the itinerary of the great liners and cargo-boats, but Auckland can view with satisfaction the building of great ships and the deepening of great canals.