PILES AT TURUA WHARF.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5010, 6 August 1926, Page 1

PILES AT TURUA WHARF.

LETTER FROM TOWN BOARD.

HARBOUR BOARD TO INSPECT.

At the Thames Harbour Board meeting on Tuesday evening further reference was made, to the recent driving of piles at Turua by a W* 1from the secretary of the Turua Town Board, which 'read as follows : ■‘l have been instructed by this board, at their last meeting, to again approach ■ your board with reference to the landing of metal at Turua for the board’s works. "Since this matter was dealt with bv your board a new position has arisen so far & this board is concerned, in so far as the metal supplies) for the remainder df the board’s loan works must now be obtained by the board itself, as the contractors, have now left Turua for good. ‘‘The chairman of this board has discussed the question ctf supplies) of metal for the completioin df these works in the early spring with the engineer 'a,nd chairman of the Hauraki Plains County Council, and it appears that the County Council will be able to supply this board with metal from its Hikutaia, quarry during the winter months on its own punts at a lower rate than can be obtained anywhere ejste-. The board Would like to take advantage of this offer for a supply of about 650 yards of broken metal, and be. able tel get this landed on the ground before work commences, but is unable, to do so unless the piles, driven by your board some time ago are removed. This board now asks your board to 'again review this matter and again offers to give any binding guarantee, it can to be fully responsible for any damage which might arise or occur to your property by any punts berthing or coming in ,to the old dock. ,

“No doubt a similap undertaking could be obtained from the Hauraki Plains County Council should they have need to use thi§ dock for their punts at any' future time. “This board has been expecting a, visit from a deputation of your board for some time now, when it was hoped to again bring this matter before you, but this has not so 'far eventuated.”

The engineer reported on same as follows :—

“The, probability of the: Turua Board requiring metal supplies over the bank 'a.t the landing adjacent to the jvharf approach was, discussed by the Harbour Board chairman with the TOwn Board chairman some time ago, and it was then pointed out that the Harbour Board would assist in enabling the Town Board to form -a, new landing to the northward of the row of protective piles. “The cost of such landing would beabout £BO, inclusive of the cost of road to same, and would be the means of providing a permanent site for the discharge of punts,. “The protective piling has already proved serviceable, ns Mi’ Stone informs me it caught up the landing

pontoon when this, was Adrift last month in the gale, :and heavy flood, current Of the 11th. "It is evident that the Turua Board and the district within a limited ladius of the wharf have an economic advantage in - landing metal an gravel on the bank when it comes, in punts without craw or other means of discharge, and this would be pelpe.tu.ated at a relatively small capital outlay by adopting the site north of the piles already referred to. "To remove the, piles and go back to the old landing opens .the way to the use of this site by irresponsible parties.”

The locgl committee report stated: ‘‘Your committee recommends, with reference to the communication from the Turua Town Board asking the board to reopen the recently closed landing stage adjacent to the whaJf, and the engineer’s report thereon, that the Town Board be advised that it is impracticable to grant its request, but that this board is- willing and anxious to assist in any way poSr sible, in which connection it is prepared to favourably consider the question of contributing equally with the Turua Town Board and the Hauiaki Plains. County Council towards the cost of constructing a suitable landing stage at any point not adjoining the Turua wharf approved by the engineer.” The chairman was .about to comment on the Town Board’s application, when an appeal came from Mi Laughlin, who earnestly asked the board to remove the piles. The dock proposed by Mr Adamg ivajs not s,uitable, and would cost a deal of money to fix it up. The old dock was, in a bad position, and a iiew dock would do the same. Protection by piling could bq otbained by driving the piles north and south. Why should the board stand in the way of progressive farmers ? There would be no injury to the wharf. The board had its ciwu man to guard against injury to the wharf. The roads that were required .all le,d to Thames. The proposal would cost money.

The chairman s.aid he could hardly agree with the statement that the board wa.s standing -in the way of the progress of the district. The board’s policy had been to encourage the settlers. It had built a whaff out of revenue to suit Turua. Quite , recently the boa,rd had to replace the breastwork, which had scoured out through the operation of .the punts being unloaded at the bank. The en-. gineer knew his business, and the piles) were put there to safeguard the, board’s property. They had competent advice, and they should not override it. They were doing everything to assist the. district. He hoped iii the future to put .appliances- on the wtfalrf to land all goods. They were trustees of the people’s, property. If the site did not suit, then another landingplace could be made to give the necessary convenience, but it would be a dangerous procedure tol go opposite to. their expert’s advice. While wishiing to do the maximum 'for Turua they must safeguard their property. No danger or risk must be incurred. '

Mr Laughlin admitted that the bejard had stretched a point to erect the new wharf, and the settlers appreciated it. But a new dock would 'be costly, as a new hoist would have to be put up.

Mr Edwards, as.ked if the .local committee had. visited Turua. The Chairman : No. Mr Edwards.: Then I don’t think they are competent to report. The chairman said the request had only come in the last three days. It was urgent.

Mr McCormick said the board had pnotaiised to visit Turua, and the promise should be redeemed. The landing place was an old one. There had 'always been difficulty with erosion.

Mr Edwards, said he had no desire to go beyond the engineer’s advice, but the local committee should not have reported on the matter until a visit had been made.

Mr Wagstaff agreed with this. He did hot like questioning the local committee’s report, but there had been a'lot of talk about the piles-. He was not in a position to say what should be do'ne, but the board should visit Turua.

Mr Miller said he had no objection to postponing the matter until la visit was- made. He had a lot of sympathy with the Turua people, but the board’s property should be saffeguarded. He would be glad to visit the place.

Mr Wagstaff : Is there, any immediate hurry ?

The chairman said there, was, as the metal w.as wanted urgently. Discussion then followed .as to when the visit should be made. Some members thought It could be left till before the next monthly meeting, aS, three members were a,way. It was then decided to hold the next meeting on Tuesday, August 31,’the board to visit Turua on the morning of that day, and the matter be discussed at the meeting that evening.—Thames Star.