PORT CONGESTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22714, 28 April 1937, Page 13

PORT CONGESTION

EXPORT WHARF NEEDED

BOARD TO CONSIDER PLAN

EASTERN RECLAMATION SITE

COST OF £350,000 INVOLVED

The provision of an export wharf, with berths for two overseas liners, off the eastern reclamation at an approximate cost of £350.000, was discussed by ] the Auckland Harbour Board at its meeting yesterday. The question was raised by Mr. Harvey Turner, who expressed the opinion that the board should consider the need for erecting an export wharf. He said the matter had been before the board a year or two ago, and no decision had been reached, but some decision should be made now. " I have been pressed by those who are interested in work on the wharves to see that something is done," continued Mr. Turner. " A great deal of congestion occurs on the modern wharves, and the difficulty on Prince's Wharf has been accentuated hy the fact that ships are loading and unloading at the same wharves." The chairman, Mr. C. G. Macindoe, said he quite agreed with what Mr. Turner had stated about congestion on the wharves and the necessity for the board constructing an export wharf. When the matter had been discussed before. the amount estimated to complete the wharf was so formidable that the board had decided to wait. " I think we should consider the subject seriously and bring it forward at the next meeting of the board in committee," said Mr. Macindoe. " I will produce at the next meeting a plan fora wharf to accommodate two Home liners to start with, and which could bo extended later. On the eastern reclamation would be the most suitable site, and the cost would be approximately £350,000. To provide four berths would cost another £150,000." Mr. Macindoe added that under this plan Home liners arriving here could discharge inward cargo at the Queen's or King's Wharves and complete their outward loading at the export wharf. " I think it is going to be a very great economy as far as the, primary producer is concerned, and it is certainly going to relieve the port of tho congestion that exists at present," concluded the chairman. Consideration of the plan was adjourned until the committee meeting two weeks hence.