FLOATING DOCK

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10286, 22 May 1919, Page 5

FLOATING DOCK

QUESTION DISCUSSED

WELLINGTON’S FUTURE AS A

PORT

IMPORTANT DECISION BY HARBOUR BOARD.

Tho ever-recurring question as to the necessity of a floating dock in Wellingpton harbour once again occuped the attention of the Harbour Board last evening. In accordance with notice. Mi IV. Gable moved as follows“ That the engineer be instructed to revise thft plans of the Thorndon reclamation, so as to make provision therein for a floating dock berth, with access; the whole to be embodied in the finished reclamation scheme, and that the board take the necessary steps to ask that Parliamentary powers be granted to the board, so that the work can be proceeded with when the board decides to oc. In speaking to tho motion, Mr Cable said that whatever difference of opinion existed amongst the members as to tho necessity for the immediate installation of a floating dock, be wished to call their attention to the importance of taking steps tp make provision for thedock’s accommodation in having it embodied in the still unfinished plans : J the Thorndon reclamation. Theseplans were to cover'the extreme limitof the reclamation, and by agreeing to the motion, the board would be able, to complete the entire scheme, and thus save money and time. Members would clearly understand that the motion did not commit the board to any outlay oi capital at present; but only to the <xpense of amending the plans. He took it that the legal and other expenses would be covered by those incurred in connection with the present reclamation scheme. All he asked was to take advantage of the present opportune time for pushing these preliminary matters on to a workable stage. To his mind, the question of what tho probable earnings of the dock would be or what it would cost the board annually, need not trouble the members at present.

Mr Cable said he had every confidence iri tho ability of the board to finance tho dock by the time it arrived, which could only be after the berth had been prepared and finished, which would take a considerable time. Ho looked forward to a greatly-increased revenue for the board in the near future, as soon as the world’s affairs resumed their normal condition. He asked members did they realise tho important position that Wellington harbour held to-day in connection with the Panama Canal ? Did they know that, the harbour was now. and would continue to be as time passed, one of the most important ports of call in the world’s great circular trade route connecting Groat Britain, Europe, America, Now Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and other countries ? That was an undoubted fact, and he therefore asked the members of the board to be up and doing in the matter qf providing modern, up-to-date appliances for the docking and repairs of vessels. He would say without fear ot contradiction that a dock in Wellington, from its central position, would draw trade and bring work and. prosperity to the workers and business people of ibis city. As to development, that might be expected What had the Wellington Harbour Board done in the way of providing facilities ftor the repairs of vessels during the past forty years? His answer was simply “nothing.” The patent slip was quite inadequate. The steamer Bessa mishap emphasised the unfortunate position the port was in. The cost of the temporary repairs, and the great loss of time to the vessel, and tho expense of undoing this work before commencing the permanent repairs, must amount to many thousands of pounds. This would have been saved had the port been up to date in equipment, and the revenue would have been benefited by several thousands in dock dues. Apart from this mishap, the overseas ships would bring revenue to £ho dock regularly, as at present they had to dock else where. Only the other day a ship left to dock in another port, and this, to his knowledge, was a frequent occurrence. To his mind, 'it was a matter for regret that Wellington did not have the benefit of early settlers of the same sturdy, far-seeing type that settled Otago. In asking the members to support his motion, Mr Cable told them that this year was not a suitable time for ordering a dock. The reclamation question must be settled, and a berth for tho dock finished before the. dock could bo of use. This would take considerable time, and meanwhile, ha asked the members to realise the wish of the ratepayers of Wellington, who expressed the opinion In no uncertain manner that the harbour required a floating dock. , ~ Captain C. McArthur seconded tho motion. Keplying to Mr J. Vt. McEwan, the engineer (Mr Marchbanks said that it would be necessary to make arrangements for access to the dock with the authorities controlling the reclamation area. , , , Mr C. H. Chapman supported the motion, saying that it was the boards function to look ahead in regard to matters affecting the port. Mr J. G. Cobbe deprecated the fact that Mr Cable’s proposals lacked detail. It was a very big undertaking, and should not be passed on without very careful consideration. For instance, would a floating dock he a paying proposition ? Mr 11. A. Wright, M.P., also considered that Mr Cable would have strengthened his case if he had given some information with regard to the financial aspect. Other docks in New Zealand were being rim at a loss, and they would have to proceed warily. It was a question whether the amount of shipping coming to Wellington would justify a floating dock. • Mr C. M. Turrell said that if New Zealand required a dock Wellington was the place where it should be. Owing to its geographical position, Wellington was destined to become even a greater port than it was today. With regard to tho pointa raised, Mr Cable said it was impossible to give more data just '’how,' owing to the labour position in England. The motion was carried.