BEACH REQUIREMENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 1069, 14 November 1911, Page 3

BEACH REQUIREMENTS.

SOME SUGGESTIONS

The following letter has been forwarded to Mr W. T. Wood, of Palmerston North, by Mr Percy E. Baniell, of the Beach : “ In compliance with your request that I should furnish you with suggestions with a view of minimising the chance of boating accidents at the Manawatu Heads, I have the honour to suggest as follows: —

“A pier would do incomparably more to prevent boating accidents than all the other suggestions put together. Not only would eight lives have been saved on the 22nd of October, and no doubt others in the future, but it would encourage a far better and safer class of boat than at present exists at the Heads, and after very mature consideration I am certain that as a means of preventing accidents no suggestion can be made which will iu any way compare with that of a pier. I therefore cannot help but draw your special attention to it.

“(2). A boat of suitable . design, about 20 feet long, with a 6 leet beam, with cork placed inside after the fashion of the old class of life-boat, say 20 life-belts or so, four life-buoys, and otherwise fully equipped and ready for immediate use, be huug on davits, under a roof at the outer end of the pier, and that a volunteer crew be formed to man same —a proposal, I am sure, that will meet with the hearty and active support and approval of every male resident ot the Heads.

“ (3) That life buoys be placed at convenient places each side of the pier. “ (4). A pole be erected on the outer end of the pier, on which a red ball or other signal be hoisted by the pilot or some other competent person to be appointed by the Harbour Board, when the river is dangerous for boating ; and that when the bar is dangerous, a signal that would not interfere with shipping be hoisted on the main staff as a warning for those inside not to venture to sea, and a signal for those outside to return to the river without delay. “ (5). All boats used for hire be inspected and licensed, with the number they are licensed to carry plainly painted on the inside of the stern.

“ Feeling sure that a matter so grave, and ol such immediate importance, will at once have your earnest and sympathetic attention, etc.”