BIG SCHEME IS PROPOSED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17890, 5 July 1926, Page 9

BIG SCHEME IS PROPOSED.

IMPROVEMENTS AT PORT ARE MOST NECESSARY. A recommendation by Mr C. J- RTVilliams. engineer to the Lyttelton Harbour Board, that the board should obtain authority to raise a loan of £300.000 to complete the equipment at port and to provide berthage and depth of water for the increasing size of vessels, was considered in committee by the board to-day. Mr Williams suggested that the loan should be spent in the following way:— £ Additions to wharves 86,600 Cranes and capstans on wharves 82.400 Travelling crane at dock .... 12,000 £IBO,OOO New dredge 120,000 Total £300,000 Mr Williams recommended obtaining legislative authority for the full amount of £300,000, because it was not advisable to approach Parliament with loan Bills each year. “ With regard to the enlargement of our wharves,"’ the report continued, " this is a natural consequence of the gradual increase in the size of vesselsIn 1912 the Dominion Royal Commission travelled through the British dominions making inquiries in regard to harbour facilities, and on its return made a report. In that report it was suggested that there would be a definite pause in the increase in the tonnage of vessels and that the standard would be about 7000 tons. Prophecy is always uncertain and that suggestion is not being borne out, as there is now and again a definite growth in the size of composite liners and cargo carriers. It is necessary, therefore, that port authorities should be on the watch and make provision for such increase in size.

■' With regard to the installation of cranes and capstans, the heavy cost of running ships to-day, makes it imperative that they be loaded and unloaded with the greatest possible dispatch, and this is reflected in the use made of the board s cranes, so that I have no hesitation in recommending the equipment of all the wharves with cranes and capstans. I see no alternative than the acquisition of a larger dredge. Four dredges of the character 1 have in mind have been constructed by the United States Government and are now in operation in America. Their experience will probably be of assistance to us if the board desires to obtain a new dredge.” The board, in committee, adopted the engineer's recommendation. This was approved in open board, Dr Thacker, Mr G. Scott, and Captain If. ilunro voting against it.