Napier Wharf Activity

Grey River Argus, 10 April 1948, Page 5

Napier Wharf Activity

NAPIER. April 9. The phenomenal growth of the port of Napier in the past 10 years during which time its trade has .shown an increase of 182 per cent,, I was referred to by the chairman of the Napier Harbour Board, Mr E. J. Herrick, at Eskdale, in an address to farmers and Napier Rotarians. Mr Herrick stated that in 1928 the overseas imports amounted to 7626 tons. It was estimated, he said, that this year the figure would be 32,100 tons, an increase of 24,000 tons. The 193 S export figures amounted to 46.239 tons. The estimated figures for tins year would be 120,000 tons, an increase of 73,761 tons making a total increase, compared witii 10 years ago, of 98,135 tons. Because a successful deep-sea port has been established, Mr Herrick said that facilities available, while equal to the best in New Zealand could be used to even greater advantage. They were capable of being increased still further, through embracing Southern Hawke’s Bay and posibly Manawatu and the Wairarapa. The efficient and speedy service both by officials and waterfront labour ranked high, and it was possible to handle a much greater volume of cargo than even the record figures already being established. CONGESTION OF SHIPS TIMARU, April 9 The presence of four vessels, two from overseas, the Orari and Sydney Star, and two coastal, the Waipahi and Waimarino, is expected to cause some measure of congestion at the port of Timaru at the beginning of next week. The coastal vessels Gale and Wainui are also expected to arrive during the weekA shortage of labour exists on the waterfront. Yesterday, with about 110 members of the Timaru Waterside Workers’ Union almost its full strength, engaged and in addition about 60 “seagulls,” there was still a demand for more labour, said the secretary of the union. . The position was eased a little yesterday with the departure of the Waipiata, leaving extra men for the Orari and Kaitane which were in port. It is difficult to meet extra requirements for wharf labour at present, as many men who during the winter are available for work are employed in wool stores or at freezing works.