TRADE OF THE PORT

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2725, 21 March 1916, Page 9

TRADE OF THE PORT

YEAR OF ANXIETY

BUT OF EXCELLENT RESULTS

At yesterday's meeting of the Wellington Harbour Board the chairman (Mr. C. E; Daniell) said: "Under existing war conditions our records show exceedingly encouraging results. . The trade of tho port has practically equalled the best of previous years. Tho facts marshalled in such clear fashion by our Secretary tells a fine story. The year -has been full of anxiety for every worthy Britisher, but tlio thought that comes first in connection with the business of shipping and transport is tho wonderful efficiency of the British Navy. That we in this 'Britain of the South' can load our ships with millions of pounds' worth of produce, and with still more valuable lives, and send them with so littlo misgiving around the -wide world, while enemies are doing all in their powef to destroy both goods and lives, is surely something to thrill us. Wo are, indeed, debtors to tho groat men of our race who saw so far and planned so wisely. Is it inappropriate that this board, representing commercial interests, should acknowledge the work of our own statesmen who, foreseeing this day . of stress, led -us to contribute one weapon to tho splendid armoury. .Under the protection of this Navy "our business lias so prospered that a record amount of shipping has entered the port, and the business transactions of .the board, with an income of £237,000, shows at end of year a credit of £5814. ■ "A year since some misgiving was expressed in some quarters as to tho attitude of tho board towards new works, especially as to the proposed Pipitca Wharf. The programme then outlined has been followed—instead of trying to let a contract for tho erection of tho structure, a portion of the material was purchased, and existing plant nsod to prepare concrete piles. A. number of these are already on the site of the new wharf, and will shortly be set in position, while further quantities are being made; .but it is evident that supplies for the work as a whole -will not bo available during the period of the_war. In connection with works at this point. Waterloo Quay, it is well to note that there is now completed the breastwork, -which, though designed as approaches to wharves that will be built, even now gives some 1400 feet of berthage suitable for some classes of trade.

_ "What .is largely a new wharf designed for the special use of Lyttelton ferry service, is nearing completion, and wlien the railway station is built will be found specially convenient foi mter-islaJ'-d traffic, and at the same time will release a valuable berth at the Queen's Wharf. .Some important rencwals to older wharves liavo been made, but there is yet much to be done in this direction.

"Referring to the reclaimed lands, the recent letting of some sections and the further inquiries frm prbablo tenants indicate that far-seeing business houses are realising tli9 value of these building' sites. This, together with tho several sections let on the Te Aro reclamation area, point to development which means interest cm capital steady (invested. Tfio sections, of land at Seatoun, 011 what was the old Pilot Station are now all lot to tenants."