AUCKLAND TO MANUKAU.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4305, 14 March 1901, Page 6

AUCKLAND TO MANUKAU.

A PROPOSED OANAL. PRESS ASSOCIATION. AUCKLAND. March 13. At a meeting of the Council of the Auckland Chamber of Commence some discussion took place on the proposal for cutting a canal from Mauukau through to Waitematu. Mr S. Vaile said whatever was done it would take a considerable time to construct a canal, and lie thought the time had arrived when the Chamber should move in the matter. He thought the scheme could only be carried out by bringing Auckland and Manukau Harbours under one management. Mr G. Fowlds seconded. He thought no harm could be done by a committee conferring with the Harbour Bo am’ to see if any plan could be devised worth putting before Parliament. There was HO doubt that the development of Auckland would depend a\ good deal on a canal being constructed. He understood from Mr Napier Bell that it was a very feasible proposal. Mr S. H. Nathan said the work conld no doubt be accomplished without great difficulty, but the question arose as to what class of vessels , could be put through. Manukau Harbour and over lanukau bar. At present wheu vosseis w< re'wanted to trade in the Manukau they tad to bo spo-„ cially built of light draught and with a flat bottom. He_doubted whether the proposed Manukau “canal would be of any service to ocean-going vessels, although it might do for coastal vessels. • Mr Vaile wished it to be understood that his motion meant that the Chamber would do something more than talk. The question of whether the canal would be suitable for ocean-going steamers was a secondary consideration. If the canal could be made suitable for ocean-going steamers so much the better, but by all means, let them have the canal. Motions were unanimously adopted in the following form: (1) That in the opinion of this Council the time has arrived when the construction of an Anckland-Manukau canal should bo fully considered; (2) that with a view to giving effect to the above resolutions a deputation consisting of the shipping committee with the addition of Mr Vaile, wait upon the Harbour Board and confer with them as to the steps necessary to he taken in the matter."