AUCKLAND HARBOUR FACILITIES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14700, 7 December 1909, Page 2

AUCKLAND HARBOUR FACILITIES.

-O j UTboji Our Own Cobbespokdknt.) AUCKLAND, December 6. At the last meeting o! the Auckland Harbour Board, in referring to the proposed dredging in order to provide sufficiently deep berthage for the larger class of oversea. vessels, the chairman pointed to the phenomenal increase in tho butter exports of Auckland, and the approaching necessity to make this a. final port of call for Home vessels, instead of shipping via Wellington. They could not, however, cxpect fliips to call' hero if proper facilities were not. provided, and if their intention to make Auckland the premier port of the Dominion was to be carried mlo effect lie thought they should make tho necessary provision no mutter what the cost. The engineer (Mr ITamer) recommended the purchase of a rock-cutting plant at a cost of £7300. The average cost of this class of work was now about 3s 3d per cubic yard, as against- 10s 6d formerly. With the kind of plant, referred to 6imii:ir work was being done in Kngland. lirazil. and the Sues Canal for about 6d per yard. The engineer's recommendation was refen ed to (lie Standing Committee fur report.