IN LINE WITH PANAMA

Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 127, 31 May 1919, Page 4

IN LINE WITH PANAMA

The Port of Wellington holds an important position in the strategy of commerce, a position not unworthy of the municipal motto, " Suprema a Situ"; also, a position that is distinctly enhanced by the Panama Canal. In emphasising this fact in his speech on Thursday, the President of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Mr. J. G. 'Harkness, did not overstate the case, and he is to be congratulated on the foresight that provided the keynote of his remarks, and which) it is to be hoped, will bear fruit. As Mr. Harkness holds both positions, the Chairman of the Harbour Board now has a splendid chance to deliver tho first-class goods promised by the President of the Chamber of Commerce. It is of interest to notice that Mr. Harkness attaches special importance to the improving of coal-handling. Considering the increasing difficulties of the coal industry at the mine-end, better and cheaper handling of steam coal is a much-needed improvement, and the Harbour Board will distinctly score if it successfully uses the reclaimed land for a purpose so important. The immediate aim should be to provide all reasonable accommodation for bigger and deeper ships, and to speed up their port operations by the provision of every practical facility. . .