PORT DIFFICULTIES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 05, Issue 63, 10 June 1942, Page 5

PORT DIFFICULTIES

SIGNAL STATION AND RUBBISH

PARRY BROTHERS' COMPLAINT

Writing the Whakatnne Harbour Board Messrs Parry Brothers, owners of the trading vessel Vesper, advised that when approaching the Whakatanc Bar it was difficult to make out from the signal arm which channel was to be worked. The swinginig arm was white but the post being black merged into the ground when it became uncertain which way the arm was actually pointing. I,t is suggested, that the upper part of the post be painted white.

The Harbourmaster reported that he had acted upon the above sug* gestion and made the standard white accordingly.

The same firm complained that rubbish which is usually dumped from wharves and ships 1 had accumulated at the wharf and was likely to become a nuisance. The greatest danger for propellers was liketo be from old rope and it was asked that arrangements be made to have the bottom dragged and so remove any material of that nature which might cause extensive damage.

The secretary reported that Parry Bros. letter had been submitted to Captain Carey who reported as follows:—

"In connection with ropes and rubbish being dumped at the wharf, I knoAv this has been the practice in the past. I and also the agents of vessels running to- the port have spoken to all masters asking them to see that no refuse that would likely to be a danger to propellers is: thrown over the wharf at the berths. On different occasions I have cleaned up all old rope and wire slings etc. that were lying about. £ will also take the first chance when the berths are clear to drag a grappling and clean up any material that is likely to be there now."

The secretary reported that Parry Bros. Ltd. had been advised accordingly and also a letter had been directed to the Northern Steamship Co. Whakatane, pointing out the practice of dumping slings and refuse at the berthage must be dis->

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