Leaps to Progress

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 404, 12 July 1928, Page 8

Leaps to Progress

Auckland’s Big Waterfront Projects THE marked development in trade through the port of Auckland is bringing steadily nearer the execution of the huge wharf construction plan of the Harbour Board, invol\ - ing a total expenditure of .i© 5,500,000. Part of the scheme is already in hand, and material is being ordered this year for another notable phase of the work.

JF we were to step forward half a century and look through a top window at the transformed contour of the Auckland waterfront, we perhaps would see a picture astounding in its magnitude and baffling in its intricacies. If the full wharf construction plan were completed—and trade tendency indicates that it will be required within that time —we would see the geographical frontiers of our placid bays bristling. There is a profound significance in recent trade development in this port; the handling of bulk cargo particularly shows rapid expansion; and it is probable that steps will have to be taken shortly toward the construction of a new railway -wharf with special facilities for the distribution of goods. Industry is the moving force which dominates the whole life of the water-

front, and the initiative and vigour .of the harbour authorities is manifest everywhere in this incessant building activity. Even before the new ferry passenger wharves at Devonport were completed, the erection of a vehicular ferry wharf at Mechanics* Bay, almost opposite Devonport, was started. When this is finished a similar structure at Freeman’s Bay, designed to carry the Northcote and Birkenhead vehicular traffic, will be built. Each of these wharves will cost £20,000, and when they are operating, the traffic from the city to the North Shore will be facilitated a hundredfold. HARBOUR DANGERS The ever-present danger through passenger ferries crossing the vehicle boat’s route on foggy mornings will

be eliminated, while the distance over the harbour will be reduced by half. Birkenhead traffic will be handled with greater facility, and if the Birk-enhead-Silverdale Road is made the main north outlet, more importance ■null be attached to this harbour crossing. It is expected that the vehicle ferry to Mechanics’ Bay will be ready for this year's Christmas traffic, and the present Hobson Street ferry wharf will then be used for the Northcote and Birkenhead run till the Freeman's Bay structure is erected. The whole of the machinery and electrical equipment is on order, and is expected to arrive during the next few months; in the meantime, piledriving for the wharf, and for the portal to carry the mechanism, is being pushed forward. Another big project which is closer to execution than many Aucklanders believe is the construction of a viaduct from Albert Wharf to Freeman’s Bay, to provide shorter rail and road communication from the city to the reclammation. A great deal of time is now lost and much expense incurred in making the long detour occasioned by the lay-out of this locality. BIG VIADUCT PROJECT The huge viaduct is being designed by the board’s engineers, and it is anticipated that some of the steel for its construction will be placed to order this year. The estimated cost is £90,000. When this scheme attains fruition it will be necessary for the harbour workshops to be removed from Freeman’s Bay to the land which is being prepared for them at Mechanics’ Bay. Already a breastwork is being erected in anticipation of repair and workshop activities, and wharves will be built out as requirements dictate. This breastwork, which also serves the purpose of finishing off the reclamation, will cost in the vicinity of £32,000. PLEASURE CRAFT SHELTERED It is not possible to estimate when the viaduct will be erected, as progress with the work depends largely upon the amount of money released annually by the board for absorption in the scheme. Its completion, however, with its inestimable attendant advantages, is well within sight. The breastwork at the boat harbour at Herne Bay will be finished in a few weeks’ time, and for the expenditure of £50,000 the Harbour Board will have provided protection for Auckland’s pleasure craft, as well as giving shelter to the Northcote-bound ferries. Auckland has not reached the point at which the full execution of all these ambitious proposals is merited. But the harbour authorities are not content to remain inert till ships are held up in the stream waiting for a place at the wharf; and in looking ahead they have visioned Auckland standing higher among the busy and prosperous ports of the Southern Hemisphere. Indeed, if th,e plan of the engineer is carried through, Auckland should show a healthy return for its £5.500,000.