WHALE ISLAND PROJECT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 69, 4 May 1943, Page 5

WHALE ISLAND PROJECT

BORING OPERATIONS RESEARCH OFFICERS TASK Writing the Whakatane Harbour Board the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in a letter received last meeting stated that the drilling of test bores on Whale Island is contemplated, and to carry out such drilling operations, it will be necessary to transport tlie boring equipment from Whakatane to the island. The Board Avas asked for the use. of its launch for such transportation and to supply an estimate of costs of such service. The cquijimcnt to be transported consisted of boring plant, drilling equipment, and three wooden tent frames, a total weight in all of approximately 9 tons. It was stated further that if drilling on Whale Island should be undertaken, it would be necessary to provide the drilling crew with transport facilities at least once a week. As it would be necessary to use. the Harbour Board launch frequently, it was suggested that the Board consider payment at the rate of £1 per hour steaming time only, Captain Carey to be paid at the rate of 3s per hour, not exceeding £1 per day.

The Harbour Board Secretary, Mir C. G. Lucas, stated that the Deri partment'sl officer Mr Madriniach, had been advised that it was not. possible to give him an exact quop tation for transporting his Department's equipment to Whale Island.

The. Board was however able to execute his department's, commission and would charge therefore £1 per hour steaming time, it being understood that the department wo-uld pay Captain Carey 3s per hour for his time with a maximum daily payment, of £1. The week-end transport of the department's employees and stores would also be undertaken on the same basis. The department had been advised further that if it decided to accept the board's otter in this matter it was understood that the department would provide all necessary barges and would itself undertake the loading and unloading of all gear. I'ji carrying out the towing work the board Avoukl use all reasonable care, but would accept no responsibility whatsoever for damage to, or loss of gear, plant or personal belongings. ( The transport work would also require to be undertaken during fine weather at the. board's convenience.

The chairman (Mr W. R. Boon) stated that the offer to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research had bc.cn made with his authority. Before such offer wa,s made Captain Carey had been conferred with and assurance obtained from him that if the Board undcr-i took the department's works that his harbour duties, including maintenance work, would not fall into arroar. The chairman's action was confirmed.