HARBOR ENGINEER’S. REPORT.

Patea Mail, 12 August 1880, Page 2

HARBOR ENGINEER’S. REPORT.

In bis monthly report on Patea Harbor works, the Engineer, Mr Thomson, wrote as follows :—“ In my last report I stated that the very heavy fresh had caused a subsidence at the corner next river of outer end of breakwater ; the cause was that the stones at that place rested on sand and sank to the clay bottom when the fresh removed the sand. For some days it was impossible to work on account of tbc very heavy current. On resuming operations we replaced the stones by concrete blocks, this makes a very strong job. On the 17th July the contractor wrote stating that cement was almost done, and that a quantity had been bought in Auckland two months ago and shipped by Wild Duck ’ for Patea, but had not arrived yet. It was thought that the vessel had foundered in the heavy gales ; but we have now learnt that she is not lost, but gone ashore, with loss of false keel and anchors. In the meantime a supply has been got elsewhere. We are placing the top and last vow of blocks on the Jbreakwater, working from the outer end inwards. Good progress has been made considering the state of the weather.

The contractor for cattle wharf has just returned to Paten, after purchasing plant and totara timber for his work. He intends commencing as soon as the piling engine arrives. A portion of the rimu was promised for last week, but has not come to hand yet.

Some repairs were done to the cattle shipping yard, which is now in good order. During the month I prepared eight sheets of drawing and other documents relating to future works at the heads. These have been forwarded to the chairman, Mr Sherwood, who is now in Wellington.”