MOTUEKA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 30 July 1929, Page 7

MOTUEKA

HARBOUR BOARD MEETING WHARFINGER'S REPORT MOVEMENT OF SAND NEAR CHANNEL At the monthly meeting of tho Motueka Harbour Board there were present : Messrs H. Everett (chairman), D. llaining, C. H. Mackay, F. C. Balchetor, and A. R. Edwards. An apology for absence was tendered on behalf of Mr F. C. Greenwood. Accounts amounting to £348 7s 8d were presented and passgd, for payment, leaving a credit balance of £1374 7s 2d (fixed deposit £1220 lis 2d; Current Account £153 16s Od). The Harbourmaster (Mv P. G. Moffatt) read the following report :- "Tho total revenue received amounted to £123 12s 9cl, compared with £147 9s 6d for the corresponding month of last year. ■ "The number of steamers entered and left the port was 24, with a total in rpgistered tonnago' of 2374, compared with 36 steamers,, with a total in registered tonnage of 3210 tons, for June <nf last year. ' "The quantity of fruit shipped, calculated in computed bushels, was 14,978, as against 17,077 for the previous June, thus showing 2099 less for the period of this year. With regard to prospective shipments of fruit for the remainder of this year, it might bo anticipated that the '.-.uantily shipped will not be nearly so- large as those going forward during the latter months of last year, as it is generally stated that growers arc not holding such huge stocks, also there is a much lesser quantity held in the local cool stores.. EROSION OF SANDBANK "In my last monthly report I drew vour t'ttention. to damage caused to tho CU'.er sandbank by an extraordinary lug!', tide accompanied by heavy seas, on the night of the 19th of June. I liavo now U> report, that, under similar conditions, on the 7th of July much further damage occurred, when all of the remaining portion, of the protective works was washed away and the crest of llio bank and the sandspit was further flattened out. In addition to tho ravage caused bv the se.i, several, recent heavy Hoods in the river have created additional erosion, by sweeping away the sand 'it tlie southern end of the spit and spreading the sand out over an extensive •jvca. The ill effect of all these occurrences is doubtless very far reaching, the iii.ni. feature of which would appear to be: Ihnl while the sandbank remained at it.-; attained higher level the tidii.l st: earns were move confined, thus lending to keep tho entrance channel clcir, but under the newly created conditions — the lowering of the crest of the bank and spit-boih flood and ebb tides are allowed to disperse for longer periods for a very vide distance, the consequence being that sand is not washed clear from the entrance channel, but. is spreading out in all directions, including that toward the main shore. Should this continue to increase, and present indications are that it will so do, it is probable that a long bar of sand will extend across the channel entrance. Such a condition does not infer that the entrance may be blocked up, but it is probable the existing depth of navigable water will be more ur let; reduced. 1 should

here mention that the present depth of water at the locality under notice is now two feet more than at the shallowest part of the middle channel, leading to the wharf. From this it might seem that there is that margin, of two feet, which' might be afforded for ■further sand filling before conditions become more grave. Such, however, is not quite so, for the entrance channel is often affected by rough seas, when it is desirable that vessels when entering or leaving pp.rt should have a safe margin of depth of. water beyond their draft. . LEADING BEACONS "Owing to alterations of the sandspit, at the entrance channel, above referred to, as well as the encroachment of sand at tho middle channel, if has been again necessary to shift the beacons. The entrance beacons have now been adjusted to proper alignment, but as the beacons for the middle channel are situated at low water mark of spring tides, the adjustment of these will not he possible except at a very low tide. To carry out these alterations a lot of work, taking a long time, is required in taking soundings, fixing bearings and moving the beacons. Upon two recent occasions the back beacon, of the down-channel lead, situated on the sandbank, has been washed away, through the sand shifting during heavy storms, but- it is again placed in position. Also it has been necessary to shift the front beacon of this set, some two chains further to* ward the west. These beacons are the same distai.ee (4 chains) apart, as originally established, two years ago. By this is indicated tho fact {hat the sand hank has made 2 chains west, towards the channel." The wharfinger at Riwaka (Mr E. Sparks) reported that three launches had entered and left (he port during the month. CORRESPONDENCE The Waimea County Council notified that Ihe Board's request for permission (o cross George Quay, Massey street and East quay with electric light wires, had been granted, provided (he Government regulations dealing with erection of poles and wires for carrying electric light were complied with. W. Richards confirmed hk quotation of £175 6s Od for installation of-a lighting plant at the wharf. Vickerman and Lancaster (Consulting Engineers) notified that a duplicate of the Hoard's letter, regarding further erosion of sand bank at Moluekll Harbour, had been forwarded to Mr Furkerf; and thai (lie original would bo placed before Mr Vickerman on his return to Wellington. The Marine Department returned a chart belonging to Hie Motucka Cool Storage Coy. Ltd., which was forwarded by Ihe Board in connection with information regarding tides during the earthquake period, ft was slated in (he letter that the Government Seismologist wished io convey to Mr Moffatt his thanks for the interesting and valuable report. The. secretary informed the Board that Mr Richards anticipated (he completion of installation of Delco plant that day. After the meeting, the Board members inspected the work, and (he plant was given a trial run. The clock on tho board was an attachment of interest. This, when set. automatically switches on and off. at any desired hours, the lights at (lie beacons. It is considered that the clock will soon pay for itself in the saving of light. The wiring at the wharf is of a. grade I hat. will permit the connecting up. without alteration, to » hydro scheme.