PROPOSED NEW DOCK AT PORT CHALMERS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2296, 12 August 1881, Page 3

PROPOSED NEW DOCK AT PORT CHALMERS.

WELLINGTON - , August XI,

A deputation waited on the Premier to-d jr asking for assistance in constructing a new dock at Port Chalmers. The following comprised the deputation :—Messrs Larnach, Boss, Innes, E. Dick and K. Esmoay. The following members of both Houses were also present:—Captain Eraser, Hon. W. Holmes, Messrs DeLautour, Barron, Stewart, Thomson, Oliver, Brown, Fulton, Macandrew, Bastings, MoOaughan, Jones, Murray, Pyke, Eeynolds, Hon. T. Dick. Mr Larnach, in urging the Government to grant concessions, said, that with a view to direct steam communication with London being established, a much larger dock was necessary. He admitted that the present dock was sufficiently large to accommodate vessels which could cross the bar at present, but a dredge would arrive shortly which would be the means of greatly increasing the depth of water on the bar. He asked that the present dock end 78 acres at Mussel Bay be handed over in trust. Mr Eamsay agreed with Mr Larnach, and said that the matter was of great importance to the South Island. Eeplying to the Hon. J, Hall, Mr Macandrew said that the reserve was vested in the Port Chalmers Corporation for the improvement of the lower harbor. Mr Oliver mentioned that an export meat freezing company had been formed in Otago, and it would be necessary to construct a larger dock to accommodate the steamers which would be engaged in the trade. He thought that the proposal to hand over the endowment to the Harbor Board would meet with the disapproval of the municipality. The Premier said that if the endowment were made over as proposed, there would be similar proposals from all parts. He thought they ought to be satisfied with a long lease. Mr Bamsay mentioned that the estimito of the cost of the new dock was about £70,000, but ha thought it could be constructed for £IO,OOO less. After Mr Larnach and the Hon. W. H. Eeynolds had spoken as to the absolute necessity of the dock, the Premier said he would like to have their financial proposals in writing. After several others had made a few remarks, the Premier said that he would lay their proposals before the Cabinet, and give an early reply.