TARANAKI'S HARBOR.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 204, 8 May 1912, Page 4

TARANAKI'S HARBOR.

Ths- following is from the Eltham Argus:—There are doubtless some people ' who still declare that big steamers will' be unable to load butter and cheese at the breakwater, and who maintain that the produce oE Southern Taranaki will still be shipped in small coastal steamers at Patea and transhipped into the oceangoing liners at Wellington. But the official statement by the chairman of the Harbor Board and the reports of the Board's expert and experienced officials should go far to dispel such an idea if it still prevails. Moreover, those who have inspected the works in progress at Moturoa for the accommodation of large steamers can perceive for themselves that the development of the port is being carried out on such extensive and far-seeing lines that provision is being made for the berthing of some of the largest vessels. The Board is in touch with the requirements of the shipping companies as regards the necessary accommodation, and its scheme of development is being carried out with a view to meeting the demands in this respect. The Board is providing 33ft. of water at the wharf at low water, spring tides, which means nearly 45ft. at high water, and a fairway and swinging room ample for the largest steamers. A telegram from Hobart, which appeared in our issue _ of Saturday last, stated that the White Star Company was enquiring if there was sufficient accommodation for a vessel of 35ft. draught, which will be the draught of a new steamer that the company is having specially built for the Australian trade. If a vessel of such a size is deemed necessary for the trade of Hobart, which continues principally only during the apple season, how much more likely is it that similar steamers may shortly be engaged directly in the butter and cheese trade between New Plymouth, as the natural part of Taranaki, and the chief ports sf Great Britain—not London alone? Closely allied with the development of the port of New Plymouth is the question of railway construction in Taranaki and the building of branch lines as feeders to the main line through this province. The Opunake Railway Commission, which is composed of departmental experts, will, in addition to their recommendation concerning the route that line shall take, also be called upon to enquire into the question of the construction of other railways and tramways, to serve the area lying to the west, of the main railway line in Taranaki. In this consideration it would be well that they should take the broadest outlook, and, regarding the development and progress of the harbor works at New Plymouth, recommend the carrying out of such railway construction proposals as will he in harmony with the effective connection of the rich productive country of Taranaki, with its natural outlet on the coast.