THE BREAKWATER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8068, 26 March 1906, Page 2

THE BREAKWATER.

EFFECT OF THE GALE. The fierce north-westerly gale' that raged on Friday and Saturday was severely felt around the Moturoa headland. The breakwater received the full impact of the storm, mountainous seas breaking over the structure, and throwing the water and spray to a tremendous height. It was a grand and interesting sight, and many braved the elements to witness it. The structure itself was indiscernible, aud only on Sunday morning was it possible to see how the work had withstood the storm and seas, which were the worst seen at Moturoa for several years. Considerable apprehension was felt as to the safety of the part that had been built this season, it being reported, indeed, that most of it had been swept away. Sunday morning's inspection, however, showed that the damage done was not serious. The blocks in one section only (12ft.) had been itisplaCed ; the " apron," or protective work, being' shifted. The whole of the new work waS found to be thoroughly sound and level. This damage will take about three weeks to repair, and, in the opinion of Mr Henderson, in charge of the works, will not cost more Ihan £15(1.

It says much for Mr Henderson's workmanship and skill that ihe new work should have successfully passed through what is the greatest test to which if could be subjected. Had the wind been from any other quarter there probably would have been no damage, as the protective "apron" would have borne the brunt of the force instead of the work itself, which was the case in this instance.

JThe crane used in the operations at the breakwater was brought in by the foreman before the storm burst. Had the crane been left in its usual position, it must have been carried away by the seas.

The value of the lengthening of the structure was fully demonstrated during the storm, The Takapuna was able to work at the wharf in security. Before the extension was made it would have been quite impossible for the wharf to have been successfully worked during such a storm.