Wanganui Water front Experiences Busy Time Before Christmas

Wanganui Chronicle, 15 December 1949, Page 4

Wanganui Water front Experiences Busy Time Before Christmas

Due to large quantities of general cargo arriving from southern ports and coal from the West Coast, interspersed with shipments of Onekaka dolomite, /he last fortnight before Christmas is proving a busy period for the Port of Wanganui.

Yesterday three vessels were at Castleclift and one was lying at the town wharf, but the amount of labour available was insufficient to meet demands. As . a result one coaster was idle all day and another for part ot the day.

Congestion at the Port of Wanganui is less frequent than elsewhere and is due mainly to several coastal vessels arriving within a short time of each other. First arrivals haver’ first claim on the labour available and others must wait their turn. Absorbing a large quantity of labour was the collier Puriri, which arrived on Monday with 1000 tons of coal from Greymouth. Preceding the Puriri, however, was the m.v. Holmburn, with a full load ot dolomite from Onekaka. Later arrivals were the m.v. Gale, with general cargo from Lyttelton, via Wellington, and the m.v. Pakura, from Wellington to load wool. Good progress was made with discharging both the Puriri and Holmburn, with the result that both completed yesterday. Before sailing for Wellington the Holmburn loaded wool.

Probably making her last trip to Wanganui before Christmas, the Puriri sailed for Greymouth, where she loads coal for Nelson. 'The Gale was idle at the town wharf yesterday morning, but began discharge in the afternoon. The Pakura had no labour yesterday, and will begin loading wool today. With at least five more ships due before Christmas, there will be no letup on the waterfront. The a.m.v. Hauturu is expected Saturday with sugar and general cargo from Onehunga direct, and after discharge goes to Plcton. Expected on December 20 are the m.v. Storm, from Lyttelton, via Wellington, and the m.v. Breeze, bringing general cargo from Dunedin, via Wellington. Due on December 21 is the m.v. Holmdale. She will bring general cargo from Dunedin and Oamaru, via Wellington. The s.s. Holmlea is also due next Week with coal from Greymouth. Following the opening of the current Wanganui wool sale of the season on December o, large quantities of outward wool are awaiting shipment from Castleeiiff. Wool ships will also hate to be fitted into the programme already outlined, and the first of these consignments are going forward this week by the Gale, Holmburn and Pakura.