THE RIVER CHANNEL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2341, 13 October 1921, Page 3

THE RIVER CHANNEL.

REMOVING SAND BANKS

SUCCESSFUL DREDGING OPERATIONS.

Yesterday afternoon members of the Foxton Harbour Board, accompanied by representatives of the Levin and Foxton Chambers of Commerce, and Press representatives, proceeded, in the Harbour Board launch, down the river, to inspect the dredge at work on a sand bank which runs diagonally across the river about half-a-mile past Robinson’s Bend. This bank has been silted up by the action of a cross current, and has been a source of delay to shipping, the channel requiring skilled navigation even with the guidance of buoys and beacons. As this bank is probably the worst in the river fairway, the Board decided to try out the dredge on its removal, and the operations have -succeeded beyond expectations. Since 'dredging commenced about three weeks ago, the channel has been considerably improved and deepened, giving ample depth of water for vesspls to negotiate without anxiety. It will be some time, however, before the work of extending and deepening the channel is completed, as there is a wide sweep of water at this particular spot. Special gear has been procured, however, to enable the dredge to operate from either bank.

When the visit was made yesterday, work was in full swing, and the machinery running smoothly. The dredge Avas moored some distance from the Matakarapa or west bank. The -visitors were shown over the dredge, and the method of dredging explained. The silt is drawn from the bottom of the river with great force through a wide pipe, and ejected Avith mill-race speed through a 9-inch pipe to the bank, and thence along Avooden fluming on to the surface of the land. An indication of the silt removed was noticeable to a depth of about 18 inches over a Avide area of the land. The outflow consists of about one part silt to tAVo of water: The direct discharge of the silt from the dredge to the land is more economical than transferring the same to a punt, Avhile the even spread of the spoil from the river bottom is beneficial to the land upon which it is deposited., When the channel upon Avhich the dredge is now Avorking has been deepened, operations will commence on a bank in Duncan’s Bend, opposite Mr Fraser’s residence.

Although the dredge will not operate on the bar, it will in the course !of time provide a uniform depth of water along the river fairway from the Avharf to the Heads, which an*ill greatly facilitate and encourage regular shipping to the port. The dredging operations are conducted by an experienced man in Mr Aikman, avlio has already introduced several innovations to meet conditions peculiar to the river. The Board’s enterprise and determination to improve tho port is already having the result of regular shipping to tlje port.