THAMES HARBOUR.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4672, 10 March 1924, Page 3

THAMES HARBOUR.

INSPECTION BY MEMBERS. Koi* several years the membcis ol the Thames Harbour Board have been talkin.’, of making a lour of inspection of the area under its control, and ths trip eventuated on Wednesday lasi, when all the members, with the exception of those from Thames, accompanied by the consulting engineer and the secretary, made the tour oy launch Unfortunately, the state of the tide rendered it impossible for the state of the piles at Bo'trke street wharf to be examined. However, it was Quite obvious that there was a lot of truth in the saying that the structure was only standing up through force of habit. ■ Most of the members had inspected the piles on previous occasions when the tide was out, ami it was possible to walk under the wharf. The wharf was built in 18‘>4 and is now considered so unsafe that barriers have been erected to block vehicular jmd loot traffic when necessary. Included in the Harbout Improvement Scheme is a proposal to erect a ne.w structure alongside the old one.

Leaving the wharf about nine in the morning the launch proceded across the gulf to the Pmko rive.* and then back to Woods’ Bay (Whakatete), noting the positions of the various buoys eij route. The, boundary of the Tnames Harbour is a line from Rocky point near Whakatcte to the coast about half, way between the Piako river and ’ the Waitakaruru strean, thence at high water mark back to Thames, crossing the Piako river near the mouth,.but p-'oceediitg up the Waihou river to just above 'Turn a.

The next place visited was Kopu, where a landing was made, and the wharf inspected. This was found to be in about the same condition as the Bonrke Street wharf. A means of improving it was discussed, after which the journey to Tiirua was continued This wharf is quite a modern structure, and is in good condition. Exception was taken to the fact that the engineer’s recommendations re the redecking, which had been approved by the board, had not been properly carried out. It had been intende 1 that longitudinal planking be laid down alongside the shed, that on a sufficient area to enable carts to turn round the whole of the deck be recovered. At "the time-of the visit there happened to be a quantity 0/ metal chips lying about. The engineer point-/! out that wheeled traffic on this caused excessive wefar on the timber of the decking. Members expressed the opinion that a change should be made on metal carted over the wharf to pay the cost of maititc nance.

After meeting a deputation and discussing the appointment of a wharfinger the party returned tc Thames.