UNIQUE EVENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 October 1920, Page 5

UNIQUE EVENTS.

PORT PIRIE'S VISIT. FIRST PULL LINER FOR ENGLAND. CELEBRATED BY CHAMBER OF, COMMERCE, The berthing of the C. and D. liner Port iPirie at New Plymouth and the loading of the vessel were marked by a function held by the Counoil of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce yesterday afternoon. In addition to a representative attendance of commercial men there were present Captain West and Chief Officer Enwright, of the Port Pirie; and Mr. J. B. Connett (chairman of the Taranaki County Council), Mr. J. T. Quinn (chairman of the Taranaki Farmers' Meat Co.), Mr. Newton King (chairman of the Harbor Board), and the Mayor (Mr. J. Clarke). The toast of Captain West and his officers was proposed by the acting-presi-dent of the Chamber (Mr. T. C. List), ■who presided. He remarked that' the Council of the Chamber had felt they could not let the occasion of the coming and going of the iPort Pirie pass without notice. It was an important and unique event in the history of the port. The Port Pirie was the largest boat that had come to the port; it was the first to take away a full cargo of produce; it was the first to take direct to England a large amount of cheese; in addition to which there was the noteworthy feature that all ports of Taranaki had combined in loading the vessel. Produce had been shipped from Waitara and from Patea, as well as from New Plymouth. Nothing could be more significant than this pulling together of the province. The port, Taranaki's deep water harbor, was at last coming into its own. People who had not formerly realised the value of Moturoa as a deep sea port had shown by their actions that they were now alive to its possibilities. Within the next few days the Mamari with 1700 tons of general cargo from England would be berthed, and they hoped this would be the first of a regular service between England and Taranaki. The speaker extended to Captain West congratulations on his appointment as Marine Superintendent for New Zealand for the Cunard Company, and expressed the opinion that in Captain West Taranaki would have a warm friend. The captain and his officers had made themselves most popular during their stay, and the visit of the Port Pirie would be re-called with pleasure by a great many. Speaking of the loading of the big cargo, Mr. List expressed gratification at the efficient manner in which the cargo had been loaded, for which, no doubt, the agents (Messrs. Collett and Co.) were largely responsible. A RECORD FOR THE PORT PIRIE. Replying, Captain West remarked that the chairman had spoken of the record work which had been done at the port; it was also a record for the ship, for they had never before loaded a full cargo in any one port in New Zealand. (Applause). Touching on the possibilities that lay before the port, he said that while not wishing to criticise, he desired to the opinion that if the company was sure of full protection from the elements for its vessels and a good fairway, the port would grow as big as any in New Zealand. Though a stranger, one could not help noticing, he said, when glancing at the map, how important the port of Taranaki was to the whole coast of the North Island. The proposals for harbor development, which he had seen, would meet the demands very fully. Captain West said that the ship's officers and himself would depart feeling that they had made quite a lot of friends to come back to. , During the visit they had been accorded very generous hospitality; indeed, it had equalled any he had experienced during the whole of his sea career. Chief Officer Enwright, as representing the officers and engineers, said he desired to thank all very heartily for the hospitality received in New tPlymouth. Many of them would be returning to New Zealand at various times and they would always look forward to a call at New Plymouth. GETTING A MOVE ON WITH THE HARBOR. Ifi response to the toast of the New Plymouth Harbor Board, proposed by the Mayor (Mr. Jas. Clarke), Sir. Newton King (the chairman) said the Board recognised fully the duties that had fallen to them. When he had taken up the big scheme some few years ago many of his country friends had looked askance at the proposal, but it had also gained many supporters. He touched ou the efforts that had been made to induce companies to send their boats to New Plymouth, and the progress which had been made in tins direction from the advent of the Walkure in 1014 to the coming of the Mamari this month. The port was growing, and they hoped that the boat of which Captain West had command would be the forerunner of others of the Cunard service, which he recognised as a leading line. The Board was not neglecting its share. The progress had not been as fast as he would have liked, and it would have to be more speedy in the next two years in order to satisfy his wishes. (Applause). VALUE OF THE MEAT WORKS. Speaking to the toast of the Taranaki Farmers' Meat Company, the chairman said the harbor would not be in its present state if it had not been for tho company, and he extended congratulations to the gentlemen connected with its management. Responding, the chairman of the company (Mr. J. T. Quinn) remarked that the Company had started under war coalitions, and very great difficulties were encountered at times, However, they had been able to achieve the present position, and hoped to do better, The Company, he said, was only in its infancy. He forecasted the enlargement of the works, and if the fluctuations of the market necessitated it, a candle and soap manufactory would be commenced. Another possible addition would be an oleo plant. "If it had not been for some of the southern men sinking parochial differences and joining in for*the good of the province these works would not have been started," said Mr. Quinn. He concluded by pointing 'out that the expansion of the works was an increasing asset to the town and district. THE PROVINCIAL SPIRIT. The concluding toast, "The Chairman," was proposed by Mr. Newton King, and during his remarks ha tulogiad the good