THE NEW DOCK AT PORT CHALMERS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12989, 2 June 1904, Page 10

THE NEW DOCK AT PORT CHALMERS.

Considerable interest was displayed at Port Chalmers yesterday in the- poll of tho late-payers to authorise the Borough Council assisting tho Otago Dock Trust by guaranteeing a sum not to exceed £1000 pe-r annum towards payment of the interest on the cost of constructing tho proposed new dock, a natter of grave importance to Port Chalmers and the lower harbour. The question had previously been decided by a. favourable vote- of tho ratepayers taken on June 5, 1903, but the provisions of the Port Chal- , Biers Empowering Act required that another poll be taken, this was done yesterday ■between- the ho'urs of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. After the close of the poll a scrutiny took place, and tho returning officer (Mr A, declared the result to be— For.the proposition 325 Against the proposition ... < ... 9 . Informal ". 1 Majority in favour, 315. Tho result ir*s received with cheers, and the Mayor stated it was very, gratifying that Port Chalmers had been true to itself and had decidedby an absolute majority to lend every assistance necessary towards making tho new dock an established faot. Ho was ■very glad to sco that the member lor tho district, who was also chairman, of the- Dock Trust, was. present, and ho would ask that gentleman to address a few words to thorn.— (Applause.)

Mr E. G. Allen, M.H.R., expressed his satisfaction at the successful issue of the poll. It showed that the people of tho Port considered the success of the scheme was of vital importance to tho interests of the town. Ho cited the urgent necessity which existed for increased dock accommodation, and pointed out that only that day they had a large vessel—indeed, one of the largest of the Union Company's fleet—which required docking; but unfortunately they had no facilities' for her, and consequently a very large sum of money wbioh would have been spent in tho port would go to another town, They could see day by day the tendency to build large vessels,, ana it therefore behoved them to. build such a dock is .would meet the exigencies of a largp'closs.of vessel which, we might fairly a'ssumo would hereafter visit qur port. He congratulated tho ratepayers heartily oicthe successful issue of the day's proceed] jjes.i' t (iuul assured them that if.Was.a mostunlikely thing they would ever be called upon tcrpiy' the sum of money they had so "oheorfuliy voted or.meet any, increase of the rates.

The , Mayor next called for three hearty )heers for the success of the dock/ and these Jere, given with great vigour. A cone'ponding compliment waa paid to the roturrj<ng officor, and the propeedjflff! dosed , .