TRADE AT THE PORT.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 January 1922, Page 4

TRADE AT THE PORT.

Although the port of New Plymouth is still in its evolutionary process, the statistics of last year’s trade denote a marked growth, especially with regard to overseas vessels, twenty-two of which visited the port in the twelve months ending on December 31 last. When it is considered that the total amount of cargo—inwards and out-wards-handled at the wharf amounted to 136,342 tons, and that the one comparatively small and manifestly inadequate structure served to deal with this large trade, it will readily be admitted that the organisation and despatch are alike creditable to the staff engaged. The steady growth of this overseas trade at Taranaki's seaport demonstrates the great value of the harbor to the settlers, and gives reliable indication of the ultimate value of thia splendid asset when the extension works now in hand are completed and the needful facilities included in the scheme are provided. The berthage and dispatch of the large ocean steamships that have called at the port has been carried out with a gratifying immunity from accidents, while the vessels have lain in safety at the wharf in all weathers. That a vessel drawing 24ft 6in. was despatched without the slightest hesitation or difficulty should convince sceptics of the absolute safety the harbor provides for large and costly vessels at the present time, and that when the improvements are carried out, Taranaki will possess a harbor and wharfage that will take high rank and become deservedly popular with those connected with shipping of the largest typs. Had financial and labor matters been favorable, the harbor works would have been much further ahead. Fortunately the Board has been able to obtain the loan money for the extension works, and it should not be long before all the essential preliminary affairs that will enable the scheme to go ahead with expedition are in working order, and then every day’s operations will make a difference that will be noticeable. Meanwhile it is satisfactory to know that the trade is increasing, and by means of careful ' oversight and sound economy the Board will have the satisfaction of having done its best to promote the welfare of the settlers in the large and productive district which the harbor serves.