THE RAILWAY WHARF.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12460, 9 February 1909, Page 2

THE RAILWAY WHARF.

THE QUESTION OF DREDGING. THE GOVERNMENT TO^BE URGED TO DO THE WORK. The question of dredging at the Railway Wharf to provide -berthage accommodation for ocean liners was discussed at yesterday's meeting of the Harbour Board. The. Chairman, in referring to the matter, said that the Harbour Board had carried out its promise to the ratepayers and provided facilities for ocean steamers to enter the port. The late Premier "had promised that if the Board carried out its work he would see that the Railway Department provided- the necessary facilities for berthing vessels properly at the wharf. The wharfage extension was begun, but not nearly finished, and the Board was ready to bring vessels in, but they could not be berthed. The question of dredging at the wharf was a serious one, and more than one effort had been made to shoulder the responsibility oil to the. Board. Referring to the correspondence that had passed between, the Board and the Railway Department, the Chairman said the matter had been put very fully before the latter, aud the Board had absolutely refuted the statement that the Department did not do dredging where it-, owned wharves, by proving that at Nelson dredging had been done and paid for by the Department on at least two ocasions. Early in the month Captains Bone and "McDpugall, of the N.Z. and S.S. and A: Cos. respectively, had visited the port, and expressed their satisfaction with the works. The actual soundings they found even better than were marked on the plan. Thej had informed him they could send a vessel to the present wharf, provided certain dredging was done. The Government must do the work, not the Harbour Board. The latter had aio funds to do this work, .besides it was beyond their duty, if- ''they spent the money thej' would have a job to get it back, and if they did it once they would always have to clo it. The .Chairman then~ quoted Sir Joseph Ward's, reply to the deputation which waited upon him in May last in reference to tho same matter, when the Premier had said the matter, having been properly explained, would be brought under the notice of the Minister for Railways, and would no doubt be settled to the satisfaction of the Board. The Department has previously asked if the Board, would undertake the dredging for the Department, and also on what terms. they would hire the dredge. Hon. P. Trask, M.L.C., said it was the place of the Government to do the dredging. The Board could not be expected to' do it, and chance.getting tho money back ' after. Ho moved that tho Chairman interview the Minister of Railways in regard to the matter, and urge upon him the importance of the work being earned out at once. . Mr Best seconded the motion. _ Messrs Grace, Franklyn, lalbot, and Coleman supported the motion, which waa carried unanimously.