NEW PLYMOUTH HARBOUR

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 258, 19 July 1918, Page 8

NEW PLYMOUTH HARBOUR

* iN- AIIBITIOUS IMPHOVEMUNTSCIIiv.MK. By Telegraph.—Press Association. New Plymouth, Juiy 18. The Harbour Board placed before iv .public mooting to-day- {.no proposals approved by the-Government, ami i.dopted by Hie board, lor the itnpiovemeiit and extension of the harbour, from.plans prepared by Mr. Blair Mason, of JJuneilin, marine engineer, who has taken up a permanent position with the board,

The scheme is a comprehensive one, and provides iinmedutetty for the construction of a rubble wall from tho island of Moturoa' to the end of tho present breakwater, which will' act as a trap for the travelling sand, and build tip an area of about 70 acres. 'I'll© natural reclamation of land from that island to tho mainland will thus provide sites for warehouses, graving dock, railway terminus, etc. The plan also provides for the immediate extension of the breakwater by 81)0 feet, and the using of tho eastern side of tlie breakwater, which is to be widened considerably for the purpose, as berths for ooean-going vessels, tlib widening and lengthening of the present wharf, the reclamation of the foreshore for store sites, et;c., the deepening of the present harbour to 40 feet at low water, and the improving of the present dredge. These immediate works are estimated to cost .£300,000.

The final scheme provides for the erection later of nn eastern wall to run out and enclose an area of 300 acres, which is to be all dredged to 40 feet at low water, witli provision for seven additional ierro-concrefce wharves.

The scheme was discussed exhaustively by the meeting, which very favourably received it, and the proposals will, after going to the ratepayers, be.incorporated in ;i Bill to go before Parliament. Ocean liners have for some time been coining to New Plymouth, being berthed in safety, and tho present proposals will, if sanctioned, give Now Plymouth in a few years a first-class harbour, with a berthage equal to that of any other port 'in New Iwaland, and provide for tho accommodation of intercolopial passenger vessels, the idea being that when tho Stratford.Main Trunk railway is through, the shipping companies will avail thems~elTes of the shortest, safest, and most direct route to Sydney.