DIRECT STEAM SERVICE.

Patea Mail, 13 August 1881, Page 4

DIRECT STEAM SERVICE.

PROPOSED GRAVING DOCK. A deputation waited on the Premier in Wellington on the 11th asking for assistance in constructing the new dock at Port Chalmers, comprising Messrs Larnach, Ross, R. Dich, Innes, and R. Ramsay, with the following members of both Houses, Capt. Fraser, Hon. Mr Holmes, Messrs De Latour, Barron, Stewart,. Thomson, Oliver, Brown, Fulton, Macandrew, Bastings, McGaughan, Jones, Murray, Pyke, Reynolds, and the Hon Mr Dick. Mr Larnach, in urging Government to grant concessions, said that with a view to direct steam communication with London a much • larger dock was necessary. He admitted that the present dock was sufficiently large to accommodate vessels which could cross bar at present, but a dredge would arrive shortly which would be the means of greatly improving the depth of water on the bar. He asked that the present dock and 78 acres at Mussel Bay be handed over in trust. Mr R. Ramsay agreed with Mr Larnach, and said that the matter was of great importance to the South Island. Replying to Mr Hall, Mr Macandrew said that the reserve was vested in the Port Chalmers Corporation for improvement of the lower harbour. Mr Oliver mentioned that an Export Meat Freezing Company has been formed in Otago, and it would be neces-

sary to construct a large dock to accommodate the steamers which would be engaged in the trade. He thought the proposal to hand over the endowment to the Harbor Board would meet with disapproval of the municipality. The Premier said that if the endowment was made over as proposed there would be similar proposals from all parts. He thought they ought to be satisfied with a long lease. Mr Ramsay mentioned that the estimate of cost of the new dock was about £70,000, but he thought it could be constructed for £IO,OOO less. After Messrs Larnach and Reynolds had spoken as to the absolute necessity of the dock, the Premier said he would like to have their financial proposals in writing. Others of the deputation spoke, after which the Premier said he would lay the proposals before the Cabinet and give an early reply.