BAY OF PLENTY BEACON Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1950 WE LOSE THE PORT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 16, Issue 33, 15 December 1950, Page 4

BAY OF PLENTY BEACON Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1950 WE LOSE THE PORT

It is not surprising that Whakatane has lost the recommendation of the committee which considered Bay of Plenty port development but it is disappointing. It became obvious while the committee was sitting that expert evidence was strongly in favour of the Mount. The committee has made a recommendation accordingly and the Government appears satisfied. All that Whakatane can do is accept the decision with good grace. Whakatane Harbour Board, having been given the judicial hearing it asked for, will no doubt take this attitude.

One thing is certain that the Bay as a whole will benefit wherever the port may be. But Whakatane will not benefit as much with the port at the Mount as it would if it were here.

What Tauranga must do now is exert pressure for an early start with development. Otherwise, it would not be unfair to say, it might still be waiting for its overseas port years from now. There is much between the making of a decision and carrying it to fruition. The fact that the port is scheduled to go to the Mount will probably have one good effect here. It will make the Mount less desirable than now as a seaside resort and will create even more demand than now for residential sections at Ohope. The growth of Ohope may be directly influenced by the fact that the port is going to the Mount.