The Globe. MONDAY JULY 1, 1978.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1365, 1 July 1878, Page 2

The Globe. MONDAY JULY 1, 1978.

At the last meeting of the Harbor Board a very important report was submitted by the sub-committee to whom the question of harbor improvement was relegated for consideration. The report is important, because the propositions made in it are of such a character as, if carried info effect, will make Lyttelton one of the best appointed ports in the colony. The Harbor Board have certainly lost no time in carrying out the very important duties with which it has been entrusted, and more particularly as reganls the improvement of the conveniences for the shipping visiting our port. Up to the present a great deal of work has been done in the matter of extending the breakwaters and wharves, and also in dredging the harbor so as to allow of large vessels coming alongside the piers. But with the greatly increasing trade of our port and the remarkable growth in our exports, even the improvements made in the harbour by the Board are likely to prove insufficient. Hence it became necessary to provide for the future wants of Lyttelton as a port, and for the acornmodation not only of a greater number of ships visiting it, but of a class of larger tonnage than we have been accustomed to have here. This having been considered by the commilteo, they have made certain recommendations which in their opinion will meet the requirements of the shipping trade of the port for some years to come. The first recommendation is to increase the borrowing powers of the Board by £IOO,OOO in order to provide the necessary funds to carry out the works proposed. This is asking for an extension of the powers given by the Act constituting the Board, and of course it is perfectly clear that, the necessity for the works being admitted, power must be given to them to provide the funds. The recommendation as to works come under two heads, viz., reclamation of land and extension of the present wharves, and construction of further accommodation. The reclamation proposed becomes necessary as a part of the scheme, because the Board will require to erect extra shod accommodation to carry on the increased work anticipated; therefore sites will be required, and the committee propose to provide these by reclaiming the land to the eastward of the Screwpile Jetty and to the westward of Peacock’s Whaif towards Naval Point. As there will be a revenue derivable from the letting of the shed, the committee anticipate that a great portion at least of the cost of such reclamation will bo recouped by this revenue, besides affording a much needed increase to the shed accommodation. The extensions/sontemplatcd are the addition of 10 Oft. on to the three jetties now in existence. This will enable the larger class/'of vessels to come to those wharves^,' and will thus relieve the Piei;- a’armg the season from any crowtnng. Two additional berths at the Gladstone Pier are, it is true, proposed to bo provided, but even with this the increase in trade, more particularly in the grain season, will make the proposed extensions very valuable adjuncts to the Gladstone Pier. The new works include two intermediate jetties, a new shed on the Gladstone Breakwater, and, most important of all, a graving dock. Of the new jetties, one is under contract, and authority has been given to the chairman to advertise for tenders for the other so soon as the approval of the Government to the plans had been obtained. The erection of the now shed will supply a want much felt now in the matter of storage, and is a work which will be of great use if carried out. The necessity for a graving dock is so patent as scarcely to require arguments in its favor to be adduced. Without it, indeed, the proposed improvements would be incomplete and comparatively of little use. A port such as Lyttelton requires accommodation for the docking of large vessels in case of necessity, so as to obviate their having to proceed elsewhere. It is therefore satisfactory to see that the Board recognises this, and so far as possible is endeavoring to provide for it. Altogether the scheme proposed by the committee and adopted by the Board, is alike comprehensive in its details, and one likely to supply the wants of the port for some years to come. There is just one point in connection with it which it is necessary to remark upon, and it is tliis. So far as is in their power the Harbour Board are endeavouring to afford every facility for the promotion and extension of our shipping trade, by providing in the port ample accommodation for vessels visiting it. But these efforts will to a great extent be rendered nugatory unless the Government in working the railway co-operates also, and does its part towards facilitating the loading .nut tlifichargo of vessels. It will not be of much use the Harbour Board providing ample accommodation as regards wharves, docks, Ac., unless there is a corresponding amount of accommodation. and facility afforded by tho provision of a sufficient amount of rolling stock to carry on the traffic without tho delays which for several reasons have taken place. The Harbor Board have done or are about to do their portion of the work; it remains for tho Government to do theirs by taking care that a suffi • cieut number of trucks are provided to

carry on the trade. If this is done Lyttelton will be second to none of the other ports in the matter of facility for loading and unloading vessels. At any rate the Harbor Board are entitled to the thanks of the community for the energetic and practical way in which they have dealt with this most important subject.

Our readers will be pleased to learn that the Government have reconsidered their resolution regarding the administration of charitable aid here. Until other arrangements can bo made, the work will practically be carried on as hitherto. The Government, however, have adopted the suggestion of his Worship the Mayor of Christchurch, and nominated a Board, consisting of his Worship the Mayor of Christchurch, his Worship the Mayor of Sydenham, the Chairman of the Selwyn County Council, Messrs Montgomery and J. B. Brown, whose duty it will be to supervise the work of distribution of Aid in the district. These gentlemen, wo understand, will also bo appointed to take the oversight of the hospital into their hands.