TRADE OF THE PORT

Taranaki Daily News, 21 December 1923, Page 4

TRADE OF THE PORT

, expansion during year. big increase of revenue. PROGRESS OF THE WORK. NEW WHARiF OUT 500 FEET. Members of the Harbour Board expressed satisfaction, at yesterday's meeting, at the progress made during the past few weeks in connection with the various works at the harbour, particularly in regard to the construction of the wharf and the dredging. In pursuance of its new pollcy, the board members visited the harbour in the morning, and inspected the wharf, etc., with a view to familiarising themselves with the work in progress; afterwards they dealt with their departmental officers’ reports in the engin* Per’s office, adjourning later to the office of the board in town to complete the meeting. There is no question that every member of the board recognises the importance of the port to Taranaki, and is imbued with a desire to push the wonk on as speedily as possible, having visions of when all Taranaki produce and all Taranaki imports will be “ent direct to or from Taranaki. Gf the new wharf, which is to be 800 feet long when completed, 504 feet has already been driven, and members expressed, themselves as very well satisfied with the progress being made. The chairman voiced the feelings of members when, in extending to members of the board and the staff Christgreetings, he remarked that the year had been an eventful one. The construction of the new wharf had occupied a lot of their time, but they were all well pleased with the development and improvement that had taken place since Mr. Lowson had taken, over control with Mr. Horn as foreman in charge- Some time back Mr. Lowson: had informed him that their aim was to have 500 feet constructed at the end of the year, and that had been accomplished, as they were now out 504 feet. The Railway Department also was beginning to lay rails on the wharf. This was very satisfactory indeed, and it was hoped that during next year even better progress would be made. He paid a tribute to the men who had worked well

and faithfully, some having worked GO or 70 hours per week for the last, four months, and he trusted that their holiday would prove beneficial. The trade of the port had developed considerably, this being reflected in the' increased revenue, which, it was safe to say, would amount to £35,000 for the year. At the beginning of the year he had estimated that the revenue would be £30,000, and this had been more than realised. For the revenue to have increased from £25,000 to £35,000 was satisfactory to the board because it strengthened the financial position, but it was also satisfactory to the whole district, because the more trade that was done by the port the more benefit would the district gain by direct ship* ment.

There was every probability of 40 overseas vessels berthing at the wharf this year. Only a few years back they were talking of eight or ten ships per year. He must admit that the development of the ocean trade at the port had been much greater than had ever been expected, but during the coming year, when the new wharf was com* p’eted,. they would sec even greater development.

In concluding, he thanked the Presi for the interest it took in mattery affecting the welfare of the port.