New Wharf For Lautoka
p. 127 · Read in the full issue
Lautoka, second largest port in Fiji and gateway to Fiji’s No. 1 industry—the growing and processing of sugar-cane—came into its own on March 13, with the opening—by the Governor, Sir Kenneth Maddocks—of the new £11 million wharf.
Construction was commenced in 1959 after tenders had been invited from 16 international firms. Successful contractor was the Danish-Malaya consortium of Christiani-Nielsen and Gammon Ltd.
Government’s consulting engineers were Messrs. Wilton and Bell, of London.
The wharf takes its place in the history of dock design and construction in one special way. A new design of hollow pre stressed pile was developed by Christiani-Nielsen in Copenhagen specifically for use at the Lautoka project. It has now been named the “Fiji pile” and is also being used in Malaya.
The Union Steam Ship Company’s vessel “Matua” was given the honour of being the first ship alongside the new wharf. The “Matua”, almost alone, maintained Fiji’s lifeline to New Zealand during the war years. She has been running to Fiji regularly for more than 25 years.
Photos, by Bob Wright , show a section of the spacious wharf sheds, and a line-up of local small craft which took advantage of the new wharf on the opening day.