BOAT CHANNEL AT HEADS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 46, 14 May 1948, Page 4

BOAT CHANNEL AT HEADS

Sir, —There is a very important public matter that I desire to bring under the notice of the Harbour Board. My attention was drawn to « this subject by members of the local fishing fraternity. This subject is in reference to the recent groin put down at the Heads, from the shore to connect up with the old/ groin extending out to the end of the eastern bar. This new groin has created a very serious danger to small boats by the closing up of the old boat channel which has been at all times affording a safe passage behind the surrounding rocks for the entry of small boats into the river when the main bar is dangerous for boats to make an entry. This channel has been used for centuries by the Maoris for their canoes and later by the pakehas right up to the date of its closing. Perhaps it would not be out of place to mention a recent experience I had on this bar. Returning to make the river, after a day’s fishing outside, I was forced ‘ to use the main eastern bar to make an entry into the: river, by this time waves were then breaking on the bar. After a long wait sheltered behind the inner rocks, a lull appeared between the waves so I made an effort to cross the bar but I was caught half-way over by the next wave, but owing to my long experience as an . old seaman in the handling of boats saved my boat and two companions from a. serious disaster.

Arising from this experience I would respectfully submit for the attention of the Harbour Board for , the re-opening of a passage across this groin which meed be only about 10 to 12 feet wide to enable small boats to make, safe passage into the river before any serious drowning takes place on the dangerous bar; to my mind the Board cannot free itself entirely from blame for any disaster that may follow owing to the closing of this ancient. channel. Anyway this recent groin that has been put down, is very doubtful as to' warrant the money expended on it. By all general appearances the present state of both western and eastern bars is worse now than ever I have seen it during my nine years as a resident at the Heads. Yours etc.,* J. CREEKE.