THE PORT.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 March 1920, Page 8

THE PORT.

PROVIDING FOR BIGGER SHIPS MORE SHELTER WANTED. QUESTION OF DIRECT IMPORTS. At the meeting of the New Plymouth Harbor Board yesterday morning, the chairman reported upon the deputation to the shipping companies at Wellington which lie said had beeii satisfactory. The principal objection raised by the companies was the absence of shelter from the wind- If that was provided an assurance was given that the next class of boats would he sent here. Captain Chudley intended coming to New Plymouth on the occasion of the next visit of the Mamari here, which was expected would be about Easter time. He would then consider if any further concessions could be made in favor of the port. Mr. King said the shipping companies were quite as anxious as the Board to get the boats nere, but they insisted upon the' shelter being provided. Mr. Wilkinson endorsed the chairman's remarks, and said the insistence upon windage was so emphatic that he thought the Board should take thereafter in hand at once and nbt wait for four or five years. There was no one more opposed to anything in the way "of temporary structures than he was, hut he thought the Board might take into consideration the question of erecting sheds on the wharf. It was very satisfactory to have Captain Cliudley's assurance to the eff.-ct that as soon as such shelter was provided boats of the next class would be sent to New Plymouth. Mr. Connett, who was also a member of the deputation, representing other interests, endorsed the report of the Board's representatives, and expressed satisfaction at the result of the deputation. Mr. Wilkinson also referred to the representations in regard to direct shipping to the port, in which matter he hart appeared for the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce and had reported direct to that tody. In his report Mr. Wilkinson stated that Mr. Findlay assured the deputation that if sufficient cargo offered he recommended the .importers of Taranaki to make representations to the shipping authorities in London, who no doubt would be prepared to meet any reasonable request. He could make no definite statement as the outward freights from London were controlled there and not in New Zealand. When pressed to make the necessary representation in London 011 behalf of the importers, Mr. Findlay consented to pass the information along, but preferred the importers should do their business direct through their London asents. Mr. Wilkinson suggested the Chamber should call a meeting of importers in New Plymouth as soon as possible, so tJiat the matter might lie gone into fuliy with a view to obtaining the necessary cargo and making necessary arrangements for its shipment, direct. He also said he would be willing to co-oper-ate personally in every way possible.