PAEROA’S PORT.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4941, 19 February 1926, Page 2

PAEROA’S PORT.

BUSY TIME AT NGAHINA.

■ DAIRY PRODUCE SHIPMENTS-

That the Waiftou River steamers are still regarded by many consignors of cargo as an efficient and cheap means of transporting goods is clearly evidenced by a visit to the Ngahina wharf, Paeroa. ' Here, a busy scene presents itself, and everywhere is to be seen bustle and hurry, which is commonly associated with- ports where tides play a big part in-the handling of cargo.' ’ ' ’ . Of the outward cargo being handled af present dairy produce comprises the bulk loads. Cheese is being received from the Manawaru factory which is transported by motor-lorries, to' Te-A'roha, ,a n d thereat, is' loaded pn to bai'ges’ and towed down the river to.the Ngahina-wharf, where it is transhipped into the steamer Taniwha for Auckland. The same procedure applies to the Te Aroha’ Dairy Company’s output- of butter/ * •. - During the journey down-from Te Aroha on Wednesday tlie small steam er Rotokohu, with a barge load of butter and cheese, broke a piston rod. Repairs could not be effected on the ship, and she! limped- into port at Paeroa with only one cylinder in .use. Fortunately the tide permitted of the Taniwha being delayed three-quarters of an hour, and the cargo was, transhipped without mishap. Contrary to expectations, the Public Works Department has not completed the work of snagging the-upper reaches of the Waihou River, and during the present season, when’the water is very shallow in places, navigation has become increasingly • difficult. The tides, have little effect on the river above Tirohia, and It fe from there up that difficulties present themselves •to the navigators*’ Little trouble has. so far been experienced in the. ’river from Ngahina to Kopu, and the output of the Hikutaia cheese factory is loaded without difficulty.

The inward cargoes, have been well maintained this seaspn, and some weeks it ha.s been necessary to place extra vessels on' the run ,to cope with the trade. Since the beginning of/the month nearly 4000 cases of benzine have been brought to the Ngahina wharf for transhipment and distribution throughout .the district. Included in the cargo by the last; trip s 6£ the Taniwha were two motor-cars ' for transhipment tq Morrinsville. no doubt, io the distance from the . town,’ residents, of Paeroa, have little idea of the scenes of activity that prevail;, on mast days of the 'week at the Ngahina wharf, and a trip to the vicinity on Auckland steamer day would not only surprise them, but it would bring home the tremendous advantage of having a navigable river and of keeping it in such a condition.