[?]eep Harbour Project
p. 109 · Read in the full issue
For Samoa
rVESTIGATIONS into the proposal to make a deep water harbour at Apia, Western Samoa, ; proceeding. On October 23, Mr. lliam E. Reed, chairman of a mp of British engineering com nies, arrived in Apia for isultations. has not a harbour for over ,s ships. They anchor out between 3 dangerous reefs and unloading i loading is consequently slowed vn. >ome time ago an American npany became interested in Iding a harbour and it was ;gested that they should recoup ;ir outlay by collecting the dues a long period. Apparently :hing more has come of this idea.
Ar. Reed was shown over the dous sites under consideration by ! Government, and had a meeting h the Port Advisory Committee explain his views on the proposed ieme. the preliminary investigation ire not been finalised, the dis ision was in general terms, but . Reed stated that the firm which represents (Reed Construction Idings Ltd.) are interested in idering for the proposed harbour istruction and are willing to lertake the necessary investiga tes.
Under the terms of this lease, he is obliged to take out 50 million feet of hardwoods within the next ten years; and he may also take out, at his own choice, another 30 million feet of what is called “optional” species—mostly softwoods. There is an estimated 9 or 10 million feet of walnut and rosewood in sight.
All this calls for large, new equip ment. Mr. Flower is putting in what he calls an immunisation plant, through which he can treat certain timbers so that they are free from borers. He has bought three D 7 Tractors from the Oil Company, giving him 8 tractors: and he has got the steam plant from Sapphire Creek. But the Sapphire leases have been taken over by the Zinc Corporation, which is carrying out
a far-reaching investigation in this area.
In August, Mr. Flower’s outfit was selling between 50 and 60 thousand board feet per month —practically all for the Port Moresby market— and production was steadily in creasing. + An RAF Shackleton bomber from Christmas Island carrying Air Vice- Marshal Oulton and three senior staff officers, called at Rarotonga on November 13.
TSS S ibaj ak, of Rotterdam, arrived Papeete November 23 to take on water. This vessel is taking Dutch immigrants to New Zealand via Panama.