The Reclamation and McGlashen Quay .... A Major Step Forward

Twelve years ago the Nelson Harbour Board's newly-appointed secretary-manager (Mr W. H. Parr) brought down a report which has had far-reaching repercussions in Nelson, New Zealand and overseas. His report sparked off a harbour development project of a magnitude which few Nelsonians could have visualised then. On November 21, 1960, Government, Nelson and provincial dignitaries from other parts of New Zealand, stood on a quay, and on solid land, won from the sea in seven short years, for the opening of the McGlashen Quay and the reclamation.

The far-sighted policy of the board has already meant, and will mean, savings of thousands of pounds in transhipping costs and the prospect of further industrial expansion. With a deepwater port, Nelson can also anticipate in the future the visit of liners and the resultant business from the tourist trade.

Already nearly 50 acres have been reclaimed and much of this has been leased. The full project covers 100 acres.

Much has been done to achieve this goal, but much has still to be accomplished. One of the biggest future jobs is the widening of the entrance cut to provide a minimum bottom width of 500ft. The main wharf is to be lengthened by 200ft; Kingsford Quay - named after Mr A. R. Kingsford who was one of the proponents of the project in 1948 - and a considerable amount of dredging and reclaiming has still to be done.

When all this work is completed, Nelson will have a port with facilities equal to any in New Zealand. When that stage is reached, Nelsonians, the harbour board and all who have been associated with this gigantic development programme, will have a working port of which they can be Justly proud.

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Rear Admiral Phipps with Messrs Fox, McGlashen and the Mayor (Mr S. I. Russell)

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The Admiral steps ashore

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Mr Fox inspects a guard of honour from H. M. N. Z. S. Kaniere

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The commemorative plaque

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More than 200 guests attended an official luncheon in the incomplete store of the Apple and Pear Board on McGlashen Quay. A marathon affair, it lasted from 1 p.m. until 5.

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Mr Fox

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Mr McGlashen with a replica of Kaniere's crest

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Rear Admiral Phipps

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The suction dredge, a now familiar sight, has built the reclamation to the north of Haven Road.

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Work has still to be completed on McGlashen Quay

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All the ships in the port were dressed for this gala occasion

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Other guests with the ship's officers

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Guests at a cocktail party on the Kaniere. From left: Mr B. M. Challis and Mrs Chaliis, Mrs A. Horrocks, Mrs D. R. Ryder and Mr Ryder

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The Kaniere was open for inspection. Boys had a great time on the 4in gun ....

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.... and also at the Bofors