At the meeting of the Harbour Board last evening Mr Loudon brought forward an important motion, which had for its effect the question of dredging work at Port Chalmers, and in its ultimate results must have an important bearing on the future of Port Chalmers.
Mr Loudon moved - ''That in view of the fact that there is now a sufficient depth of water at the entrance to allow of the largest vessels trading to the dominion to make Otago the first port of arrival or last port of departure, renewed steps be taken to urge the Government to proceed with the work of widening the George street pier in accordance with the plans already prepared, and that immediately the assurance of the Government is received in this direction the board proceed with the necessary dredging to carry the proposal into effect.''
The mover said he brought forward his motion for two reasons. First, he considered that the time had arrived when they should remove the blot from the Otago Harbour - that it was not capable of taking the largest vessels trading to the dominion. It was now an accomplished fact that there was sufficient water at the Heads to take in the largest vessels coming here.
His second reason was to remove a misapprehension that appeared to exist in the mind of the Minister of Railways. He (the speaker) understood that a promise had been made that the George street pier should be widened at an early date, but Mr Herries, when interviewed on the matter, said he would like to know the policy of the board - whether Dunedin or Port Chalmers was to be the deep water port for Otago. While they must admit that their objective was to see the big steamers come up to Dunedin, he knew that to bring this about would cost an enormous lot of money.
They should, however, have at least one deep water berth at Port Chalmers. Their engineer had stated that it would cost but a small amount to dredge between the Heads and Port Chalmers. The only expense would be dredging out at the George street pier to admit of the large vessels being berthed there. If it was impossible to have a deep water berth at Dunedin, then they must have it at Port Chalmers.
• OAMARU: Not a little talk and some trouble threatened because the planting of an avenue of trees in Thames street, the main thoroughfare, before the application of the Beautifying Society or permission to plant the avenue was sanctioned. The Borough Council caused an informal plebiscite to be taken of the owners and occupiers of premises in the street, with the object of ascertaining their views upon the subject. Eighty per cent signed in favour of the proposal, which was affirmed by a substantial majority of the council.
The work of planting had not, however, proceeded far before strong objections were raised by a number of ratepayers, and many of those who had voted in favour of the scheme relented and joined the ranks of the objectors. Last week two petitions were lodged, asking for the stopping of the planting at different points, and a councillor gave notice of motion to rescind the resolution. There-upon the Mayor caused the planting to be arrested in the meantime until the council further considered the matter, and for so doing he has been taken to task by the other side.
Yesterday a further petition was sent in asking for the uprooting of the whole of the trees that have been planted, and to-night several deputations waited on the council on the subject, which was discussed at some length. Ultimately, by a majority of one, the council adhered to its former decision. - ODT, 27.6.1914.
Copies of picture available from ODT front office, Lower Stuart St, or www.otagoimages.co.nz
