PROGRESS OF THE PORT

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 73, 16 September 1911, Page 6

PROGRESS OF THE PORT

CONSULTING ENGINEER'S VISIT. At yesterday's meeting of the Harbor Board, Mr. F. W. Marchant, the consulting engineer, was present, and conferred with the Board on several matters affecting the usefulness of the port, necessary improvements, and the wharf widening and dredging works. His written report was as follows:

Wharf Extension.—l agree with the harbormaster that a 60ft extension of the wharf is desirable. This will then afford two berths on its western side for colonial cargo steamers. The estimated cost of a 30ft extension only would be £ISOO and for 60ft £3500. Light at end of breakwater.—The standard for (his would be set on a concrete foundation placed on the lee side of the end of the breakwater, and so that the block setting crane can work without hindrance. The light should be electric, set on an iron skeleton tripod, 30ft above the top of the breakwater, so that it may not be damaged by a heavy sea. The wires should be of the very best quality of insulation, laid in galvanised iron screwed tubes, and set in a chase cut in the top of the breakwater and cemented in. Railway crossings on wharf.—The Railway Department requires certain beams to be set under the rails of crossings. These requirements are customary and in my opinion necessary. I advise that they be set as requested. Shftd on wharf.—l estimate the cost of this at aoout £]<ioo. It should have a floor set at the levels of the waggon floors as in the case of au ordinary railway goods shed. The committee discussed the malerial to be used in covering the walls and roof. From inspection of the harbormaster's shed on the wharf, I think that corrugated iron is quite suitable. The laps of the iron should be painted before .fixing, and the whole painted at first and repainted at fouryearly intervals, when I think it would be found to give quite satisfactory results. It has the advantages of being quite weathertight and proof against damage by external fire under ordinary circumstances.

Moorings for large vessels.—Screw moorings for these would be very expensive. I advise setting concrete blocks similar to those we use for the dredge moorings, to be Oft by Oft sin thick, reinforced by % in. steel bars. The blocks to be set in dredged holes of such depths that their tops will be 2ft below the deepest level to which we propose to dredge. The mooring chain should be 3in., and the block shackle 3V s in. Nothing could disturb these blocks" and they could always be dredged out for overhaul and repairs to moorings. Buoys should bo of large size, made of %in. plating, and well painted inside and out. Reclamation.—l regard this as being bound up with the question of the proposed new wharf eastward of the breakwater. When the development of the port's trade requires the erection of • s "ch a wharf, as must be the case in time, then 1 think this reclamation proposal should be dealt with. In the meantime my opinion is that it should be left in abeyance.

Dredge.—This plant continues to give the most satisfactory results. Certain working |>uri.< will shortly require renewal, and I advise that they be obtained from the makers, Messrs. Fleming and Ferguson, as per list, prepared by the chief engineer. Outline sketches and approximate dimensions of these details should he sent with the order so that there may be no misunderstanding. In answer to Mr. King, the engineer said that the light on the end of the breakwater would make a hole in £3OO or ,£4OO. The tripod would cost about JCGO.

Mr. King: As much as that? Mr. Marchant: Oh, yes. fully that. And I think vou've got to to do' it, you know.

Mr. Wilkinson suggested that the Board might use some of the patent powellised wood for decking, and, the engineer not objecting, it was decided to make an experiment with it. Mr. Wilkinson said that this timber cost only 5s per 100 ft more, and was said to be practically everlasting. The engineer was authorised to get out designs for the buoys required, with a view of calling tenders in the. Dominion, and the necessary chains will be ordered direct from the makers at. Home, using the pattern and quality' which has served the Timaru Harbor Board so well, The reinforced concrete blocks for anchors will be made by the superintendent's permanent staff, i'i.vU'a parts for the dredge will be. procured from the makers by the engineer. It was decided that when the dredge goes to Wellington to go on the patent slip, the superintendent confer with Mr. .Mareliant at Wellington in regard to work required. The Board concurred with Mr. Marchant's view concerning the reclamation works.