A BETTER PORT.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 September 1924, Page 5

A BETTER PORT.

HARBOUR BOARD PROPOSALS SUPPORT FROM ELTHAM. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. ■S, —— ' 1.1 The New Plymouth Harbour Board’s proposals for the development of the port of New Plymouth were unanimously endorsed at a special meeting of ratepayers called by the Eltham Chamber of Commerce, when the details regarding the expenditure of the £600,060 loan, for the raising of whidh authority is now being sought, were explained by tlhe chairman of the board (Mr. C. E. Bellringer). A resolution “That this meet' ing of ratepayers in the southern area of the Taranaki Harbour Board district endorse the proposals as outlined by its chairman (Mr. C. E. Bellringer), with regard to tfiie £600,000 loan for harbour improvements and development,” was carried unanimously. Mr. I. J. Bridger (president of the chamber) presided over a good attendance, and, in introducing Mr. Bellringer, stated there could be no question as to the value of the port at New Plymouth to the whole of Taranaki. The previous loan, which created so much opposition in the southern part of the province, had proved its worth and the money expended had been well worth while to the farming and commercial interests. He could see no reason why the further sum, if judiciously expended, should not benefit the province to an even greater degree. 'Ellie overseas 'boats had proved that they could berth at New Plymouth with safety and at a considerable saving in freight. Mr. Bellringer gave an interesting outline of the proposals, stating Vnat he had already met representatives of the large commercial interests and had received their hearty support to the scheme. After referring to the growth in the trade of the port and the savings to the community for which direct shipments had been responsible, Mr. Bellringer said no rates had been collected on the former proposals for sixteen years, and he did not think that a rate would be struck for the presept proposal, as the trade of the port would further develop as the work progressed. The increased trade would provide sufficient revenue to meet the interest and sinking fund on the £600,000 loan which the board proposed to raise. It was proposed to lengthen the breakwater some 725 feet and to provide increased berthing accommodation, and also to deepen the water by dredging to a depth of 42 feet. The work would take until about 1928 to complete, and would be done by the contract system. Mr. Bellringer was then asked a number of questions. Mr. Crump asked if the board proposed reclaiming any land, and Mr. Bellringer stated that at present there was no projK>sal in that direction. The board had some 200 acres of land under its control, some of which was earning very good revenue. The board did propose to greatly increase the shed accommodation and to provide for priIvate delivery of merchandise to all importers. After a number of other matters had | been satisfactorily explained, Mr. Bridger moved the resolution giving support to the proposals. Mr. J. Taylor, jn seconding, said that he hat! great faith in the board members and the scheme they proposed. Mr. J. Cocker also endorsed the proposals and supported t'he. motion. Mr. T. B. Crump expressed 'his appreciation of the scheme. A port that was developing at the rate stated by the chairman of the board must not lx? retarded or kept, back by lack of enterprise. He was astounded at tlu figures quoted and the progress made since the 1918 loan hud been expended. 'lTie motion was then put and carried unanimously.

Mr. Bellringer was accorded a vote of thanks.