TIMARU HARBOUR.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16487, 28 February 1914, Page 14

TIMARU HARBOUR.

THE DEPTH OF WATER. [From Our Correspondent.] TIMARU, February 27.

The Timaru Harbour Board to-day received an interesting report from its engineer regarding the depth of water in tho Harbour and in Caroline Bay. Outside the eastern extension or outer mole there has been no variation in the depth during recent years. In Caroline Bay the latest soundings indicate a decrease of from six to eighteen inches in depth during tho past five years. The shoaling of this area has been going on since the construction of the first breakwater, and perhaps more perceptibly since: the completion of tho eastern extension has increased the sheltered area where the silt in suspension is carried in when the sea is agitated south of this mole, and settles in the quieter waters. The low-water beach lino in the Bay continues to advance seaward, and tho present measurements show about ten feet advance per annum. This is at the same rate as shown by measurements in 1911. When the time comes for maintaining deeper .water in the entrance channel there will be a considerable decrease of the shoaling, as a considerable quantity of sand aud silt which now finds its way into the hay will be intercepted bv this channel and. removed by the dredging operations necessary to keep it open. With the exception of the areas indicated the depths are well maintained 1 inside the eastern extension mole and on eithe.r side of the entrance channel. In the dredged portion of the channel there is a good deal of silting, especially after stormy weather. With regard to tho inner harbour, so far very little dredging is necessary to maintain it to thirty feet. The shingle accumulation on the south beach appears to bo advancing at the same rate noted in 1912. about fourteen feet per year. Tho engineer states that as far as can ho seen at present there is no likelihood of the silting referred to decreasing in the near future, and at tho same time there is no evidence to show that will be any acceleration in the shoaling now going on. It is satisfactory to fred that there is not likely to he nnv difficulty in permanently maintaining good water at this port with a moderate amount of dredging.