INDUSTRIAL FUTURE

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12074, 27 February 1925, Page 4

INDUSTRIAL FUTURE

FORT 8F WELLINGTON HARBOUR BOARD CHAIRMAN TAKES LONG LOOK AHEAD. EVANS BAY AND HOWARD POINT. ' While taking a long view in its provision for wharves "and harbour facilities for the future, remarked Mr G. Mitchell (chairman of the Wellington Harbour Board) in his annual report, the board is also concerned with the promotion of industries and the in-, crease of production in the areas served by the poi-t and in New Zealand generally. It is also concerned with town planning, so far as it affects our port. Industrial development (he pointed out) must take place in accordance with our increasing population and the general development of the country. The provision of suitable manufacturing areas is, therefore, a matter we cannot neglect without injury to the future. The ideal area is one which has access both by sea and rail, thus entailing the minimum of handling costs and making the highest degree of efficiency possible. EVANS BAY RECLAMATION.

“The board’s reclamation right at Evans Bay, which covers an area of 128 acres, will provide sites for certain classes of industries and warehouses! but while this area will have a deep sea frontage lor the whole of its length it has no possible railway access. On account of the proximity of this site to fine residential areas, it is that it be restricted to industries*which can be worked by electric' power. It would be a serious offence against the able for warehouses and industries, requiring big smoke stacks in such a locality. But it would be most suitable for warehouses and industries which can be worked by .electricity and require only road and- water transport service. Development along these lines will mean a general increase in the value of all property in the neighbourhood. It follows that the principles of town planning and beautification, would be embodied in the lay-out which would be adopted.

BATHING FACILITIES. “When this reclamation is proceeded with, provision should be made to preserve suitable bathing places for the people. This matter waß evidently! overlooked when the reclamation rights iwers granted, but I know that the jhealth, pleasures, and general interest of the residents will not he neglected by the board in regard to making adequate provision to protect their bath-j ing-places, and you will consider any reasonable proposal placed before you to this end.

HOWARD POINT GENERAL INDUSTRIAL AREA. “Realising the limits of Evans Bay, and being most anxious to find a site for such works as those which have been constantly advocated by country members of this board, it was necessary that a site for a general, industrial area with Access by sea, rail,' and road, should be found and set aside. As tho land round the mouth of the. Huts river seemed the only available area with possible sea and rail aceess, I asked Mr Marcbbanks to take soundings -from the. mouth of the river ti Howard Point, to ascertain if a suitable wharf site was available. I then fully discussed the matter with Mr Strand, chairman of the Hutt Riverj Boiird, to assure that this land emfl.V be secured and proclaimed an industrial area if a suitable wharf site could b-j found. Due to the whole-hearted supnorb of Sir Francis Bell and the Hutt River Board a site of some 400 acre? will be proclaimed an industrial area. Some 200 acres of the land is secured the balance will shortly be Government, property. “The question- of railway access met with ready support from the officers concerned, with the result that railwnv service through the industrial area to the wharf site is assured.’ Some time elapsed before all the soundings could be completed, hut the report of the.enJ .gineer is now before vou. It shows, that two sites are available, and the ,one near Howard Point being in a more suitable locality and cheaper (estimated cost of-wharf £40,000) would undoubtedly be the one constructed when circumstances - warranty il. ADVANTAGES OF SITE.

- The advantages of this site are -.— ll) All necessary wharf accommodation and facilities can be provided on the site; (2) that railways will link up the wharf and all the industrial area with the main railway system; (3) excellent roading connects the site with the city and surrounding districts; (4) it is away from private residences, and will conform to the principles of town planning; (5) practically unlimited areas of the choicest residential sites in proximity to the industrial area are now being planned and will be laid out on approved town planning principles, and will be connected with the city, tbe industrial area, bathing beaches, parks, and playing fields,''by road and rail, thus giving all the elements and conditions which make for modern residential areas in reasonable proximity to the industries necessary for the people to live. “Thus future industries would be provided for by;—(1) The Evans Bay reclamation' for certain industries, which would be served by sea and road; and (2) the general industrial area at the mouth of the Hiltt river served by sea, road, and rail, with conditions which .cannot be excelled anywhere in the Dominion. With these two areas secured and facilities provided, indus-; trialiste will be able to acquire the finest manufacturing sites in the hest geographical, commercial and distributing centre in the Dominion. “It is the duty of our people to-day to provide for and encourage manufacturers now to make this fine centre the, home of their industries, and. also plan for future generations which will follow us. I wish to thank Sir Francis’ Bell. Mr Strand, the officers of the Public Works and Railway Departments. and all those who have interested themselves in this matter, for their hoarty co-operation and prompt notion, and I trust that what has been done will meet with the approval of members. RAILWAYS IMPROVEMENT. “Besides those works and services which inimediatelv come under our jurisdiction the board is concerned with all. developments which have a bearing* or influence on the trade of the port. It is patent that no matter how excellent -the port and facilities we are dependent on the productivity of the country for experts and on efficient railway transport to bring in produce and distribute our imports. Although road transport has been a serious menace to tho railways for the carriage of some goods and produce

the Main Trunk railways are and always will he the chief inland feeders to our port. The steep and tortuous railway access which climbs the mountain sides east and west has imposed a. very serious handicap up to the present. It is not surprising, under these railway conditions, that road transport is gaining ground. The wretched stations afid the want of proper facilities for handling passengers and goods at the Wellington termini are : n keeping with the insufficient access to the city. Members will, therefore, support with the greatest possible enthusiasm the statesmanlike oolicy recently brought down by the Ifon. J. <5. Coates to modernise these accesses. TAW A FLAT DEVIATION. “The proposals embrace a double line tunnel to J’awa Fiat, giving a level outlet to the west, and the deviation of the llimutaka line, which will vastly improve our eastern access, besides which the 'board is pushing on with the retaining wall and reclamation to provide a railway yard when a modern station will be built and the whole of the railway facilities reconstructed and brought up to date. It will he seen how vitally concerned the board must always be in the question of railways and roads, and I am sure I voice your feelings in extending to the Honourable the Minister for Railways our hearty approval of the policy he has laid down, and an earnest wish that the works will be started at the earliest possible moment and carried out in the time scheduled in his proposals.'”

EVANS BAY SCHEME CLAIM OF INDUSTRY. “MUST COME BEFORE CLAIMS OF PLEASURE.” “If w© are going to put pleasure before industry, wo are not fit to represent th© people who put ue here,” remarked Mr M. W. Welch, a member of tho Wellington Harbour Board, when referring to tho Evans Boy reclamation scheme at tho last meeting of the board. “I am one of those who think that Evans Bay will have to fcc reclaimed,” he added. “Industry must come liefore pleasure, and if we act otherwise we arc not fit to be here. - ’