DUNEDIN WATERFRONT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20318, 28 January 1928, Page 20

DUNEDIN WATERFRONT.

MOTION BY MR LOUDON. RULED OUT OF ORDER. BREEZY DISCUSSION BY HARBOUR BOARD. That a committee be set up to consider the question of wharf extension and shed accommodation was the effect of a motion proposed by Mr J. Loudon at the monthly meeting of the Otago Harbour Board last night, but the chairman (Mr .1. M. Dickson) ruled the motion out of order for the reason that, in his opinion, it would interfere with the proposals of the board in connection with shed accommodation at the Rattray street wharf. More will yet be hoard of the suggestion, however, as after a breezy discussion Mr W. Gow gave notice of his intention to move that all previous motions passed by the board in connection with the Rattray street sheds bo rescinded, and that a committee he set up as proposed in Mr Loudon’s motion.

Mr Loudon’s motion was as follows “ (1) That, in view of the altered conditions of tho Frederick street area consequent on the construction of the Highway and the railway overbridge at Hanover street, the whole question of wharf extension and shed accommodation be reconsidered and fully gone into, and a report submitted to the board at the earliest opportunity. (2) That a special committee consisting of tne chairman of the board, Messrs Gow, Captain M’Donald, Hayward, Munro, and the mover be set up for the purposes of such preliminary investigation and reP °Mr Loudon, in moving his motion, said he hoped its importance would appeal to members. His sole object was to obviate, if possible, large expenditure being incurred on works which, in the course of a few years, would be found to be unsuitable or in the wrong position. As indicated in his motion, owing to the Highway and the construction of the Hanover street railway overbridge, the position of harbour frontage had been entirely altered, and in his opinion what was known as the Frederick street area was destined, beyond doubt, to be the location of oversea shipping. It was a source of sincere gratificalnon that the board had refused . - allow the Educ. tion Board to occupy eight acres of t valuable area, and in a very short spa of time the action of the Harbour Board wuld be fully vindicated and appreciated by all those using the port, notwithstanding any agreements or commitments which might have been entered into by the respective bodies. He thought it unwise to endeavour to provide a.. o reat expense either shed or berthage accommodation for oversea vessels in he.Batt y street basin or to the south of it, because, £ addition to the expense, _ they were increasing the length of their a from a navigation point of view by a very considerable distance, and also getting away from deep -ter into shallow. Another most important factor was the question of the harbour free store. As members knew, six sections had been « served for this purpose facing Vlctor ** wharf, but owing to the stand taken b ? the City Council as to railway lines crossing its streets, at was doubtful if adequate railway connection could be secured. However, this problem could be solved for all time by acquiring the land now occupied by the Al burn Dime and Cement Company, which, it was understood, would be vacated by that company at an early date. railway connection to this site w. in existence, and joining up to tne wharves could be carried out by the board at a minimum of expense. U course, the Milburn Company had renewal and valuation rights under its lease, but he had no doubt that if tne directors were approached frankly there would be no difficulty in coming to an amicable arrangement—and he believed an advantageous one —for the boar P Harbour improvements were just now at a critical stage; they had every reason to hope that with the reinstatement of the Mole at the entrance and the new dredge, thpy would be able to cairy on the port as a first class one for the next 40 or 50 years without any further large outlay. It was, therefore necessary that the works at the head of the harbour in the shape of berthage wharfage, and shed accommodation shonld be out and a definite policy fixed. The committee suggested, he believed, after full consultation with its executive heads would furnish a valuable report which he would prevent any mistakes and needles, expenditure, and would co-ordinate properly with the general improvement scheme of the harbour. , , , The Chairman stated that he had previously put the question to Mr Loudon as to whether the erection of the I l« w sh . ed at the Rattray street wharf would be interfered with. Mr Loudon had made ms explanation, and there was no question that the previous motion of the board ’ n regard to the shed would be affected. When the board decided to borrow £350,000 provision had been made tor tne erection of the new shed. A committee had been set up to carry_ out the proposals and unless the motion appointing the committee was rescinded it was out of order to pass Mr Loudon s motion, it was obviously Mr Loudon s intention that the building of the shed should not be "’SfSrit no! I do not think that is his intention. Mr Loudon said he would like to explain that aspect of the resolution The Chairman: But I have mled that so long as the matter of the new shed at Rattray street is undecided the whole question is out of order. Mr Gow rose to address tho board, but several members objected vigorously to his speaking to a motion which had no seconder. Mr Gow then seconded the motion in order that he might speak Mr Anderson: 1 take the motion as a vote of no-confidence in the committee already set up. , , ~ t - The Chairman: 1 have ruled the motion out of order. , ~ , Mr Anderson: Well, you allowed it to be seconded. ** . , The Chairman: 1 allowed it to he seconded so that it could be discussed. A committee, the chairman added, couiu. not review a decision of the board. The Chairman then said Mr Loudon niight make his explanation. Mr Loudon pointed out that his motion merely provided for the setting up of a committee. That committee might consider the aspect mentioned by the chairman, but it might not be necessary. However, he could not see how his motion would affect anything done in the past. If tho committee found That an error had been made in deciding to erect the shed, there could be no harm in the board going back. The whole matter would come up when the committee had completed its deliberations. Mr Gow again rose to speak. He said he would second the motion to provide an opportunity for discussion —not that ho supported the motion, rather the contrary. His opinion was that the board should concentrate on harbour front improvements and shed accommodation in tho centre of the city. There was little wisdom in putting all tho facilities for overseas shipping a mile from the city. In respect of Mr Loudon’s motion, no could see no reason why the committee should not be set up. It might do a great deal of good.. When Mr Hayward got up to speak tho, chairman reminded him that he had already ruled the motion out, of order. Mr ' Larnach : I would like to know whether ♦or. not (lie chairman objects (o tho motion. If so, all this discussion is out of order. Wo are just wasting lime. The Chairman said he had ruled the motion out of order.

Mr Gow, on again rising to his feet, was checked once more by the chairman, who said he could allow no discussion. Mr Gow’s retort was a notice of motion to the effect that all resolutions of the board in respect to the erection of new sheds on Rattray street wharf should be rescinded, and that a committee as suggested by Mr Loudon be set up. Mr Loudon asked permission to reply, but several voices denied him that privilege. The Chairman ruled him out of order and passed on to the next business.