CRANES ON WHARVES

Evening Star, Issue 20132, 23 March 1929, Page 2

CRANES ON WHARVES

IMPORTANT DECISION MADE FREE STORE SCHEME CANCELLED By a decision reached last night the Otago Harbour Board has expressed its opinion that the installation of electric t-rnnes on the 'wharves is 11)020 iinportanfc than the erection of a Iree store. Jt looks now as if Dunedin and Fort Chalmers will soon be equipped with cranes to lacilitato the handling of cargo. Notice having boon given, Air I. Anderson moved-—" that in connection with the resolution of the board relative to the ATISO.UUO scheme, the words harbour warehouse he deleted from the works scheduled therein, and the words ‘cargo handling gear and cranes > lor wharves at Dunedin and Port Chalmers ’ and substituted therefor; that the necessary steps be taken to secure legislative authority ior ths above alteration.” The more expeditions loading and discharging of vessels at both ports had long been a question before the board, said Air Anderson. Of the main parts of the dominion Otago wars the only pork unprovided with cranes, wlnc.i were necessary lor the working of more ships. Tho warehouse scheme, in Us opinion, would bo an absolute waste of money. The woolbrokers had warehouses, and they were, empty tor more than Ini It (he year. J hose stoices neio not paying. It would bo wiser lor the board to lot the land lor tho lree stores. With the facilities for quicker despatch of the ships, greater employment would bo given. “This port Ims been in need of cargohandling facilities for some years.” said Captain Coll M.‘Donald, who seconded the motion. ”It is perfectly' true we could do with loss wharves, arid I am so keen on seeing the cranes installed that 1 would ho prepared to hold up tho repairs to the Jetty street whari. Tho Melbourne steamer service would necessitate expeditious handling, as passengers did not approve ot delays at ports. Mr D. F. H. Sharpe said the cranes were necessary, particularly as Otago was a, tidal port. Shippers could not afford to overc-airy cargo because of tho tide, and such delays were also annoying to the importers. The tree store was not urgent, and would not bs required till, the channel was dredged and Dunctlin made a final port of departure. Mr J. London said he agreed with other speakers that improved cargohandling facilities were required. He was sure the cranes would be profitable, but no port worthy of the name was without a free store, ft would be a retr ■% ado step to cancel the proposals Is) erect the warehouse The motion was carried after further discussion. The Chairman said 1m would call the Crane Committee together alter Easter. Tho board decided to lease four sections on tho foreshore. The Chairman said room would be left for the free store. Mr Loudon: I will not object to that, as my scheme proposes that the free store should he elsewhere.