GREYMOUTH BAR

Hokitika Guardian, 28 March 1930, Page 6

GREYMOUTH BAR

IMPORTANT DECISION. (Grey “Star”.) A further serious development for the port of Greymouth has taken place. The manager of the Union Steam Ship Company’s branch (M.r W. B. Cunningham) Inis received the following message from the head office, Wellington: “in view of the steadily decreasing amount of water on the Grey bar, we have decided definitely that we cannot risk tonnage to load timber at Greymouth for Australian ports, pending an improvement.” The Kaituna, hound for Australia, is still in port, and cannot sail owing to the bar conditions, despite the fact that she has only half a load df timber aboard, or o50,0()!llt short of her lull capacity. The Poolta and K'dingo arc two of the vessels affected h.v the Union Company’s decision. It is understood that over four million feet ol timber is already awaiting shipment from Greymouth to Australian ports. The latest development constitutes another blow to the timber industry.

The depth on the bar at high water on 2f>th was 14ft Uin, the slight increase no doubt being accounted for by the fact that the tides ire new winking. There are five vessels in nort, and the swell on the bar, combined with the.low depth of water, s f ill prevents their departure. 'The imorovoment in the weather has spoiled fhe hopes df a fresh in the Grey River and a conseoue.it .scouring of the bar. The installation of the Stewart plant is proceeding on the tug Westland, and the test proposed for the end of fhe week is awaited with interest.