PORT OF NAPIER.

Shannon News, 28 October 1927, Page 1

PORT OF NAPIER.

INNER HARBOUR SCHEME' CONDEMNED BY COMMISSION.

DIFFERENT SYSTEM ADVOCATED

The long expected report of the Royal Commission on Napier Harbour Board matters is published as a supplement to the Huwkes Bay Herald. The Inner Harbour is condemned, because it is based, as to one of its essential points, mi a work that transgresses a fundamental principle of marine engineering, viz., the outer channel., From a navigational point of view the Inner Harbour is condemned because it requires ships to enter this channel in the open ocean. Taking into account the engineering, navigational and economic factors, the Commissioners recommend the Breakwater as providing the best and most suitable harbour. Accordingly they recommend that Parliament should revoke the authority given'for the con. struction of the Inner Harbour.

The next question deals with the financial aspect of the matter. The Commissioners discuss this very fully from all points of view. They conclude that it is not advisable at present that any harbour should be constructed now or in the immediate future. . They recommend that the Harbour Board should enter upon a policy of putting its existing facilities into a state of efficiency with a view to procuring the most effective service ail'd the utmost returns from a composite harbour scheme, comprising a roadstead for the largest vessels, the Breakwater for such large vessels' as require its use, and the Inner Harbour for vessels drawing up to 15 feet. They consider that common sense points to the two harbours as complementary parts of a comprehensive scheme of harbour operations. The Commissioners do not suggest this as a final scheme, but they recommend that for the next ten years the Harbour Board should, after having made a close and careful survey of its financial position, seek to consolidate that position. In the meantime they recommend that the board should devote it-' self to the question of reclamation. They discuss this matter at length, and make provisional estimates df a scheme based on Messrs Hay and-, Rochforts , report. They urge that before authority for any such work is given the rights of the Rivers Board had Borough Council should, be conserved. The Commissioners are of opinion that the board has not complied with the provisions of the law with regard to the deposit of plans and obtaining of authority for work to be done in connection "with the Inner Harbour; and finally they are of opinion that the board should pass the costs of the inquiry. They are of opinion that the appointment of the Commision was necessary., and that the necessity arose entirely through the action and policy of the board.

Reference is made by the Commissioners to the intelligent ability, knowledge of his subject, and courtesy of Mr. J. P. Kenny, secretary, to the board, - for whom they recommend a special remuneration of £IOO. LOAN SUBSCRIBED. LONDON, October 25. The Napier Harbour Board loan was quickly subscribed.