NELSON HARBOR

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1822, 31 July 1906, Page 2

NELSON HARBOR

I>KESS ASSOCIATION Nelson, last night. An important stage in the progeess of the new harbor works at Nelson was marked to day when the new channel through the boulder bank, whioh forms the harbor provided by nature, was opened. The old entrance being tortuous, with a rock bottom, does not admit ves:els drawing over 20ft at high water spring?, and large vessels could only enter or leave on flood tide. The new channel through the bank is designed to give a depth of 27ft when completed, and enable vessels drawing about 15fs to enter or leave at any stage of the tide. This channel has been dredged tho full depth for a width of 200 ft through tbo bank, but some further dredging is needed, though there is now deeper water in the new channel than in tho old. Tho obanael is a'so to be widened, but the Harbor Board decided to open the now channel for use while the dt'odgo receives an overhaul. To-day the s.s. Botoiti, crowded with passengers, steamed out through the new channel, and then returned, when Mr Graham, Chairman of the Board, declared the entrance open. He pointed out that already the new ohannel is wider than the Suez Canal, and said the expenditure so far had been £53,000, including nearly £28,000 on the dredge and plant, leaving £21,420 still available. He hoped the Union boats would soon be able to come and go at any stage of tho tide, and said the completion of the harbor works, railway extension, and opening of lands for sett'ement would create the new era of prosperity whioh they had awaited and striven for.

Cheers having been given, the Mayor congratulated the Board, and spoke of th 9 uoqual Sod success of tho work so far. An address of appreciation and a unique inkstand with silver shield wore then presented to Mr Graham, M.H.R., and several toasts wero honored, including tho Board, Uoion and Anchor Companies.