THE PORT.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 February 1920, Page 2

THE PORT.

BIGGER BOATS WANTED. HARBOR BOARD AND PRODUCERS. TO WAIT ON SHIPPING COMPANIES. A deputation consisting of Messrs J. Quin and M. Fleming, representing the Taranaki Farmers' Meat Co., and Messrs J. Belcher, J. Brown, and D. K, Morrison, representing the Taranaki Producers' Freezing Works Co., waited on the Now Plymouth Harbor Board at its meeting yesterday for: the purpose of urging upon the Board the desirability of concerted aotion in- the direction of impressing upon the shipping companies the imperative need for better facilities for the despatching of the district's produce from the port of New Plymouth, and the establishment of direct regular services for both' import and export trade.

Mr. Quin wiih the first spokesman, and he said the deputation was desirous 'of- strengthening the„ hands of the Board in its negotiations with the shipping companies in their effort to get boats to the port of Ne-w Plymouth of bigger draft than those at present trading here, and also to get a more regular service to the port. This improved service was vital to the successful development of the meat industry, and it was suggested that a combined deputation from the various producing industries of Taranaki and the Harbor Board should wait on the shipping companies and urge these matters. Mr. Brown referred to the fact that the contract between the shipping companies and the N.D.A. was nearing the date of expiration, and it was considered an opportune time to take this action. The dairying industry could not afford to-be hampered by an irregular service of boats of smaller draft than the harbor was capable qf accommodating. It was well understood that the Harbor Board was doing all that it could in this direction, but the deputation felt that some extra pressure might be brought to bear in the way indicated.

BETTER SERVICE WANTED. Mr. Belcher mentioned the high cost to the dairying industry in marine insurance alone between New Plymouth and- Wellington through the system of transhipment now in operation. At times, too, produce got shut out of boats, and had to be put into store again, and this resulted in additional storage charges as well as deterioration of the produce. Mr. Fleming said there was a feeling in the country districts, apart altogether from the meat and dairy industries, that the port should have- a more regular service of bigger ships trading here. Some people blamed the Harbor Board and o'theiw the shipping companies He thought, however, that a combined deputation to the companies would have a beneficial effect. . The chairman of the Board (Mr. Newton King) expressed pleasure at meeting the deputation, and tessured them that as far as the Board was concerned the members were as anxious as anyone else to secure just what the' deputation were urging. The shipping companies had ■ undertaken to send boats of a certain draft here, and when an extra 600 feet of breakwater protection was provided they would send the largest boats trading to New Zealand to New Plymouth. What was wanted was to get the class of vessel here now between the class at present coming and that largest class. The Board was doing all in its power, but would be glad to have the assistance of the interests represented by the deputation. The harbormaster was quite confident of being able to handle boats of larger draft than those at present being sent here, and the Board was trying to push on the necessary works in connection with the harbor development.

DIRECT INWARD SHIPPING. Mr; Wilkinson assured the deputation that the Board had nqver lost an opportunity of pressing the claims of the port upon the shipping companies. He suggested that the offer made hy the deputation to arrange a combined deputation to the companies be. accepted, and if the N.D.A.'s contractwas nearing expiry then the present would be a very opportune time in which to act. He referred to the question of direct .inward .shipping, and stated that the Nelson importers had combined and guaranteed 1000 tons of freight, and by that means had secured their first direct cargo of imports. Mr. King intimated that the shipping companies were prepared to treat Taranaki importers in the same way, and an offer on those lines made some time ago held good to-day. Other members of the' Board also supported the suggetted deputation, and assured the representatives of the meat and. dairy industries t|hat the Board was fully alive io 'the need for getting larger vessels to the port at regular intervals. Mr. Quinn raised the question of there being no facilities for the handling of wool at the port and the consequent loss on that account. The chairman said the matter had not been lost sight of, but until the Public Works Department and the Railways had their surveys completed it was impossible to determine what sites would be available. It was hoped that by the next meeting of the Board some definite data would be in the hands of the members and then sites, which had already been applied for, could be provided. Referring to the general question again he thought the shipping companies had done fairly well by the port. He would be pleased, however, to do anything in the way of arranging such a deputation as suggested. AN IMPROVED PORT. In reply to an invitation to speak Captain Waller said it was now three years since the port was opened to oversea vessels. The channel was much wider now than at that time, and there was a greater depth of water. The fifteen vessels which had visited the port had been handled with the utmost ease and absolute safety, and in anything like fair weather he would be prepared to berth, any vessel up to a draft of 25ft. The conditions were greatly improved, and the value of the new works undertaken by the Board was beginning to tell inside tiss tartsr, ar.i -,va.

■having an appreciable effect on the amount of water and shelter available. Mr. Bellringer said the importers were just as anxious as the exporters to see larger vessels and a direct service to tho port, and he agreed that the time was opportune for a move in the direction suggested. The deputation then tbs deed che Board anil withdrew. It was nfterwards agreed that the chairman be empowered io make arrangements with the shipping companies to receive such a deputation as was suggested, and Mr. King and Mr. Wilkinson, were appointed to represent the Board tliereon.