H. R. Burnett

“ The berthing accommodation at the present time amounts to 14,925 feet, of which 8,208 feet is available for overseas shipping and 6,717 feet for coastal vessels.
From time to time the Board's constitution has been altered, until it now consists of 14 members, three of whom are elected by the electors of the City of Auckland, seven by the electors of the suburban districts and the ratepayers of the adjoining counties, three by the payers of dues, and one nominated by the Governor-in-Council. The Board has been fortunate in the men who, from time to time, have occupied the Chair. ”

“ This arrangement made Auckland the naval base for the Dominion. The growing trade of the Port and the pressing need of accommodation for oversea vessels caused the Board to decide, in 1903, that the time had come to adopt a comprehensive scheme of harbour improvements. In July, 1904, the Engineer submitted a scheme of works, which, after consideration extending over some months, was adopted. A Bill was promoted and passed through Parliament, in 1905, authorising the borrowing of £400,000, in order to enable the Board to proceed with the first portion of the scheme. ”

“ The following years were busy ones for the Board. Construction work was continued, but trade and shipping increased at a greater rate than provision could be made for them. Northern Wharf, for the accommodation of the fleet of coastal steamers, was completed; the reclamation of Freemans Bay (67 acres) was finished; arrangements were made with the Auckland City Council for widening and improving the streets on the waterfront; and the reclamation of Mechanics Bay, to provide railway yards, was begun. ”