AFFAIRS OF THE PORT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19469, 27 October 1926, Page 15

AFFAIRS OF THE PORT.

NEW WHARF FOR DEVONPORT. BOARD APPROVES PLANS. The Auckland Harbour Board met yesterday, the chairman, Mr. H. R. Mackenzie, presiding. The board in committee submitted a report approving of the plans for the proposed new wharf at Devonport and recommending that provision should be made for the new structure in this year's estimates. This was adopted, Mr. J. Henderson expressing the thanks of the Devonport Borough Council for the services of the board's engineer, Mr. D. Holderness, in consulting with them regarding the best position for the wharf and the lay-out of the adjacent portion of the borough. The new wharf, particulars of which were given some weeks ago, will comprise a passenger ferry wharf with covered approaches and a cargo and vehicular wharf, while provision is made for the lay out of the waterfront for the more efficient handling of traffic. The chairman and Messrs. M. H. Wynyard and T. B. Clay were appointed to represent the board at the conference of local bodies on November 4, when matters affecting the metropolitan area under the Town-Planning, Local Authorities Loan Board and Motor-omnibus Traffic Acts will be considered. It was mentioned that any member of the board who wished could attend. The Marina Department forwarded approval of the plans for the proposed wharf at Cornwallis, together with the necessary authority for the board to proceed with the work. The engineer submitted a tentative plan for suggested alterations to the board s office building, calculated to increase the accommodation for the administrative staff. It was mentioned that the board had under consideration the erection of a large building on the old dock site to accommodate the staff as well as certain of the Customs Department's staffs. In view of the large outlay involved and the possibility of the return not being adequate j to meet the cost for at least some years the engineer proposed that tho present building should be added to at the rear and on the Albert Street frontage. Whiie the cost would be approximately £25,000 the enlarged building would meet the board's requirements for the next 20 years. He suggested that the top floor of shed 15 on the Queen's Wharf should be fitted up for the use of the customs staffs. This matter was referred to the Special Departmental Committee. The board in committee was asked to report on the arrangements in connection with the visit of the Duke and Dachas! of York early next yean.