HARBOUR EXPENDITURE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20241, 29 April 1929, Page 13

HARBOUR EXPENDITURE

BOARD'S POLICY, UPHELD.

PROFIT FROM CRANE OPERATION RECONSTRUCTION OF WHARVES. "Tho crimes on the Auckland wharves as a wholo, in addition to paying all charges lor operation and maintenance, gavo a return of 7.4 per cent, oil tho capital invested which, after paying interest charges, leaves a balance which will be sutliciont to wipo out the cost of tho cranes in 26 years," said Mr. 11. 11. Mackenzie, chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board, on Saturday, in reply to criticisms of tho board's construction policy made by Mr. E. Allen at Papatoetoe on Friday. Mr. Mackenzie said tho cranes were an essential feature of tho wharf equipment, and were employed full time when shipping was in port, 'lho returns from tho Princo's Wharf cranes, tho special target of Mr. Allen's criticism, wero better than tho averago for tho port. Tho board also bad nothing to reproach itself for with regard to tho reconstruction of tho Devonport Wharf. It was under tho necessity of replacing a dilapidated and dangerous structure. With full appreciation of tho possibilities of future bridge connection between the northern and southern shores of tho harbour, tho board considered that a large volume of both passenger and vchiclar traffic must inevitably continue to cross by way of tho Devonport wharf irrespective of whether a bridge was built in the future or not. Tho new structure, built quickly and economically in permanent materials, cost little, if any, more than it would havo cost to build tho necessary facilities in timber, whereas tho travelling public had been provided with accommodation unsurpassed in any part of tho world at very moderate cost. Tho structure included a valuable cargo wharf capable of berthing colliers or other vessels which the growth of the North Shoro boroughs was certain to create ail increasing demand for. As to tho Onehunga wharf, which was another item in Mr. Allen's criticism, tho policy of tho board in taking over tho control of the Manukau Harbour from the Railway Department was enunciated as far back as 1911, and it was hardly reasonable to blame the present chairman or board for tins. However, when, in 1920, it was impossible to maintain the old wooden wharf in a reasonably safe condition, the board was reluctantly compelled to spend a considerable sum in replacing it. In pursuance of the policy of constructing in permanent material and thereby cutting operating costs to a minimum, the new wharf was built in reinforced concrete, and was equipped with modern sheds and appliances. Had it been possible to maintain the old timber structure, it, is safe to say that the increasing cost of so doing would at least have equalled tho additional interest charges on tho new wharf, while the facilities for such trade as existed would have been infinitely less satisfactory. "Mr. Allen further objects to the cost of entertaining the Duke arid Duchess of York," Mr. Mackenzie added. "Ho said the board spent £SOOO, but the actual figure was £1094 and, if Mr. Allen makes inquiries elsewhere, he will lind that tho board has not been prodigal iu this respect."

CITY MAYORALTY

MR. BAIIDON AND P.P.A.

EXPLANATION OF ATTITUDE

The name of the retiring Major, Mr. G. Baildon, appears among the candidates recommended by the Protestant Political Association for election on Wednesday. Without referring specifically to that organisation, Mr. Baildon made it clear at his meeting at the Epsom Library on Saturday evening that he did not stand for any particular religious sect, and lie intended to keep entirely clear from the introduction of religious feeling into municipal politics. Speaking broadly on the lines of his earlier speeches, Mr. Baildon dealt also with several matters of local interest. Referring to Mortimer Pass, which is a boundary road between Newmarket and the city, ho said the City Council had ready its portion of the proposed expenditure for reconstruction, about £7OO. and was waiting for tlio Newmarket Council to provide its share. On the Mount Eoskill boundary work in Gillies Avenue had been completed and (he City Council was ready to proceed with work in Landscape Road and a small portion of St. Andrew's Road, when the Mount Roskill Road Board had provided its portion of the expenditure.

There was an ittendince of over 100 and Mr. Norman Wade presided. Tho meeting closed with a unanimous expression of confidence in Mr Bail'i^n.

CANDIDATES SUPPORTED

KARANGAHAPE ROAD SOCIETY The executive of tho Karangahapo Road Business Promotion Society has recommended its members to support tho candidature of Messrs. M. J. Bennett., (I. C. Ashley and B. Irvine, at the forthcoming municipal election.

TAKAPUNA CONTEST.

ADDRESSES BY CANDIDATES.

A inerting was held on Saturday rvuning at Bayswatcr I >v Mr. A. }f. Wilkie, a candidate for Iho Mayoralty of Takapuna, and his associates, Messrs. .J. A. Algie, E. Lilly and L. If. Titchener, candidates for the Takapuna Borough Council. Mr. A. Harris, M.P., presided. The candidates ail spoke strongly against the "ticket" system of selection of candidates. They also emphasised tho necessity for the proposed harbour bridge. A motion of thanks and confidence was accorded all the candidates.

CANDIDATES' ADDRESSES.

THIS EVENING'S MEETINGS.

Public meetings advertised for this evening are as follows: — Mr. G. Baildori (city Mayoralty).— Leys institute, Ponsonby, 8 p.m. Mr. 11. E. Vaile (city Mayoralty).— Purewa camp, Y.M.C.A., 7.30 p.m., and Remuera Library, 8 p.rn, Mr. T. Blood worth (city Mayoralty).— St. Benedict's Ilall, East Street, 8 p.m. Mr. Ebene/.er Allen (Harbour Board).— Kingsford Hall, Otahuhu, 8 p.m. Dr. E. B. Gunson (Hospital Board).— Lewis Eadv Hall. Queen Street, 8 p.m. Mr. R. E. N. Matthews (Mount Albert. Mayoralty).—Carlton Hall, Edendalo, 8 p.m. „ Mr. .1. R, Lundon (City Council).— Town Hall concert chamber, 7.55 p.m. Mr. L. E. Rhodes (Mount Albert Mayoralty).—Hirst's Hall, Morningside, 8 p.m. Mr. A. H. Wilkio (Takapuna Mayoralty), and Messrs. J. A. Algie, E. Lilly arid L. H. Titcherier (Takapuna Borough Council).—Picturerlrnme, Milford, 8 p.m.,