WELLINGTON HARBOR BOARD.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9065, 4 February 1908, Page 5

WELLINGTON HARBOR BOARD.

THE NEW DOCK. Press Association, Wellington, Last Night. At a special meeting of the Harbor Board held this afternoon, Mr Fletcher moved, “That in view of the altered position due to the adoption of the Evans’ Bay reclamation scheme, and to the intended purchase of the Patent Slip property, the Board hereby resolves to rescind the resolution authorising the construction of the dock at Clyde Quay, and to have the necessary steps taken forthwith to secure a more advantageous site in close proximity to the Patent Slip iu Evans’Bay. ” Mr Fletcher urged that the present site was not favorably situated, and that there would be shoaling to contend with. He was told that while the entrance had been dredged to 42 feet, recent soundings showed only a depth of thirty feet. In 1907 the Oomamnder of H.M.S. Penguin had expressed astonishment at the site chosen. As to the money already expended, £17,362, no less than £16,515 was chargeable to dredging. The contractor for the dock had told him|the present expenditure was only a waste of money. In a dock iu Evans’ Bay, where there was plenty of water, a ship could be berthed whatever wind was blowing. Mr Wilford, M.P., moved as an amendment, “That the Secretary be instructed to ascertain from the contractors for the dock, and report to the Board, whether they are willing to cancel their present contract, and upon what terms. ’ ’ After considerable discussion the Chairman said it was clear that members did not understand the position. The site was chosen as a result of negotiations and agreements with the City Council, which cotild not be varied, because they were matters of law. He ruled that neither the motion nor fthe amendment could be put, Mr W T iL ford thereupon said his amendment would, as a main motion, be quite correct, and he gave notice to move it at next meeting.