PORT OVERTAXED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22613, 29 December 1936, Page 6

PORT OVERTAXED

CONGESTED WHARVES DELAY IN BERTHING CARGO VESSELS AT ANCHOR Two large overseas ships, the City of Manchester from New York, and the Narbada from Calcutta, arrived at Auckland early yesterday morning, but had to anchor in the stream and remain there all day until two berths were available last evening. This is the second time within a few weeks that the port has been taxed to capacity. Three passenger vessels arrived within a short time of each other yesterday morning. The Wanganella, from Sydney, reached port at 4.40 a.m., the Ksperanee liny on an excursion cruise from Sydney arrived an hour later, while at 8.2*0 the Maunganui returned from a cruise on the northern coast. These vessels were handled expeditiously mid passengers experienced little delay. The berthing of the Esperance Bay at King's Wharf, the most remote from the city, caused the 500 excursionists .some inconvenience. Taxis benefited and, with the steady rain yesterday afternoon and last night, cabs plied continuously between Queen Street and the ship. Return of the Fiona The Colonial Sugar Company's steamer Fiona arrived early yesterday from Suva. This is her first visit to Auckland since her stranding on the coral reef at Suva on November 23. The Maunganui sailed for Sydney late yesterday afternoon and her berth was immediately taken by the City of Manchester. The Mahia left for Wellington a short time later and this allowed the Narbada to come in to the Central Wharf. A Hive of Activity The whole waterfront at the present time is a hive of activity. Jhe bangitane is discharging and loading for London at Prince's Wharf, 'lhe Wanganella, Waimarino and Omana also are berthed at Prince's Wharf, while Queen's Wharf is no let* crowded. The Huntingdon occupies the western side, and the City of Manchester and Akaroa leave 110 spare room on the eastern side. The Narbada lies on one side of Central Wharf, while coastal vessels occupy the other berth. With the departure of the Esperance Bay for Wellington early this morning there will be the first vacant place at King's Wharf. vessels are expected in the next two days, but the port will remain particularly busy until early in the new year.