THE PORT OF WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 3310, 17 December 1897, Page 3

THE PORT OF WELLINGTON.

The necessity for further wharfage accommodation has long been commented upon in. shipping and business circles, the great increase in trade and the arrival of so many large vessels here latterly having taxed the working capacity of the wharves • to the utmost. The subject was brollght before the Harbour .Board yesterday hjf Mr if. H. Heatijn, who looted that the engiheor (Mr Fergiisonj compile 3 report as to whether he 'considers the present wharf and berthage accommodation, sufficient for the requirements of the increasing number of steamers and tonnage and general cargo; if not, to report as to what he considers would be the best plan. of providing the necessary accommodation. Mr Heaton remarked that it was very apparent that the accommodation was too limited for the increasing requirements of the port. Great inconvenience was caused, but only those who constantly visited the wharf in connection with their business were aware of the fact to any appreciable' extent. Big steamers discharged cargo night and day, and os they placed goods here, there and everywhere, it was a wonder to most people how they ever found them again. The port was progressing fast, and he thought the Board should take cognisance of the fact. If it were possible a new tee should be placed at the end of the wharf, no matter what the cost might be. Captain Rose,’who seconded the motion/spoke in a similar strain, and Mr W. Booth remarked-that it was generally conceded / that ..something was required ;to be done. He. was ; agreeable that the engineer should be asked to furnish a report. • Mr H. Beauchamp stated that* the motion had his support also, but he suggestedthat -Mr Ferguson should report concerning the Railway Wharf as well as the Queen’s Whjrf. : The former needed improvement- as well as the latter to his mind, and if a ,teo was added to the Railway Wharf and a conflagration ever occurred on the Queen’s such as occurred at Auckland, the, business of the port could proceed without interruption. After Mr Jack had expressed the opinion that the time had arrived for the erection of another tee, the motion was put and carried, Mr Beauchamp’s ’ suggestion being embodied in the resolution.;