KAITI WHARF IMPROVEMENTS

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2103, 11 June 1907, Page 1

KAITI WHARF IMPROVEMENTS

REPORT BY MARINE DEPART-

MENT,

Tlio Marino Department forwarded to the Harbor Board yesterday a report by the Marino Engineer re the plans of the proposed breastwork and wharf from tho Kaiti bridge to tho present Kaiti wharf. Considerable modification would bo necessary, and tho Department returned the plans in order that tho necessary alterations bo made. Tho Marine Engineer (Mr. It. NY. Holmes) reported: —“There does not appear to bo any objection to tho construction of the wharf and bi oakwater proposod. The structures pioposed, however, will require considciable modification to make them strong enough. Each pier of piles of tho wharf will requiro two 12m by 6111 walings at low water mark. An additional diagonal brace will be required extending from the top of tho back pile down to tho top of 12in by gin waling. This should bo notched two inches at each pile and secured by two one-inch bolts. The 12in by gilt at the back would be better if made 9in by Bin placed with the narrow edge against the pile. The horizontal waling should extend along the back of the front piles between tho low cross waling and the diagonal braces. The walings and struttings shown are not required. The fender pieces should be secured to piles by bolts so as to be easily renewed when damaged; they should

Extend right up to the curve of the wharf. The front stringer of wharf sho'uld be continued right through so as to form a satisfactory tie from pier to pier. Tho bollard is better if placed at the back of this stiingei and bolted to the side of the pile as a separate peice of timber.” “This will make a fairly substantial structure, and able to bear the woight of the earth at tho back, provided the pi.les are not more than 4ft out of the solid ground. If more than this they should be provided with land ties. The breastwork design shown will not be nearly strong ■enough. It must be strengthened very considerably before it can be expected to bear the weight of earth proposed to bo placed behind it.” In reply to a question the Secretary said that the plans showed the high water and low water depths. The Chairman added that the Engineer who examined the plans was a new man.

Mr. McLeod, the overseer, said very little alteration had been made from the original plans. The portions referred to ns unnecessary were for protection, and he had fixed the pieces as conveniently as possible for

shipping. Mr. Harris: AVhnt would be the approximate cost, of the alterations. The Engineer agreed that they would he quite £IOO

Mr. Lysnar said the Engineer had got the opinion, erroneously, that the wharf was to be used for heavy shipping, whereas it was only for barges of light draught. Tho Chairman: It is for any shipping that requires to go there. It will have to serve general purposes,

Mr. Lysnar said it should bo pointed out' that tliero was only 2 foot 9 inches of water at low tide and was only intended for small boats. The plans might then be approved. He took it that the Boiird had no present intention of going in for expensive blasting to deepen the berth.

. After further discussion Mr. Lysnar. Captain Tucker and the Chairman were appointed a committee to draft a reply.