HARBOUR BOARD

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 7, 5 August 1946, Page 5

HARBOUR BOARD

LOCAL PORT CONTROL QUARTERLY MEETING HELD Mr W. R. Boon presided at the quarterly meeting of the Whakatane Harbour Board last Friday morning. Present: Messrs in the chair. Present: Messrs.^ R. Ruddick, W. Hunter, C. T. Smith,'C. McKenzie, A. L. Richardson and J. A. Mitchell and the Secretary, Mr C. G. Lucas. In accordance with the recent regulations the Northern Steamship Company wrote asking that outlets for a supply of electric- current for working ships be provided by rheBoard for plugging in. The chairman said that the matter was primarily one for consultation with the Borough Council. The facilities had to be provided and it was just a matter of how they could be provided. It was decided to appoint a small committee comprising the chairman and secretary and Mr H. G. Warren to confer with the Borough Council with power to act. New Car Park » The Borough Council notified that it was its intention future to provide parking'Sg&llities-on the reclaimed portion Board’s land and if possible to erect lights for this purpose. It was appreciated that such an area could only be so used at the Board’s pleasure but it was suggested that the Board give a reconfirmation of its previous offer in this direction in order that work of a permanent nature could be proceeded with. Mr Boon thought it might be possible to utilise Quay Street (along the eastern waterfront). He certainly thought that the fullest cooperation should be afforded the Council in its endeavour to cope 5 with the growing traffic problems. The Board appointed the chairman and secretary-and Mr Warren to finalise the matter with the Borough Council. The chairman and secretary were likewise appointed to represent the Board at the forthcoming annual conference of the N.Z. Harbours Association. Hoist Unnecessary The question of providing a crane or hoist for lifting heavy freight at the wharf was the subject of a report from the Storeman-Tally Clerk who stated that over the past year there had been only 75 lifts of one ton or over and 30 lifts of half a ton or over. The average was three 1-ton and one half-ton lifts per week. The majority of the heavy,,., crates were handled by Messrs. Brabant Bros.

Discussing the matter the Board considered that under all the circumstances a crane dt.the present . moment was not warranted. The matter was held in abeyance, the chairman remarking that in the went of a light hoist becoming available, the Board should certainly take steps to procure it. River Island Access The new island access road which 1 the Board has been negotiating with the County Council was discussed, the secretary pointing out that the cost of dedication would be a matter for adjustment between the two bodies.

The chairman agreed that the road was entirely to suit the Board’s interests and he would be quite happy to see the Board meet all expenses in this connection. It was agreed to notify the Council that all costs incurred in legalising the road would be borne by the Board. Wharf Shed Alterations An offer by Messrs. Churchouse and Shirley for making alterations to the whai’f sheds was discussed. ; This covered a basis of carrying out the work by wage-labour only, the total cost not to exceed £2OO. The offer was accepted and the hope, expressed that the work would be carried out in the near future, -s Harboui’master’s Report In his report the Harbourmaster (Capt. Carey) stated that the signal mast had been repainted recently. The berthing at the wharves had been sounded and a permanent clearance of 6’ to 7’ assured at low - tide. The harbour bar at low tide was still fluctuating between T and . B’. The position was aggravated by the fact that there had been comparatively few heavy scours from flooding this year. As the winter advanced the position should improve. Wharfages Wharfages for -June were tabled, as under:— -‘Mb

1943 .. £184 3 0 1944 .. 170 8 8 1945 .. 245 16 5--1946 226 3 o : /