N.Z. SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 October 1916, Page 3

N.Z. SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS.

QUARTERLY MEETING. ' The quarterly meeting of the Taranaki Provincial Committee of the New Zealand Society of Civil Engineers was held in the Harbor Board Chambers, Patea, cn Tuesday, Oct. 17. The following members wore present: Messrs. F, Bashaw, C.E. (chairman), 11. H. Sharp, A.MT.C.E., E. C. Robinson, M.N.Z.I S., A. H Palmer, M.N.Z.1.5,, C. F. Dowsett, M.X.ZI.S, R. S. Thompson, A.M.1.C.E., J. E. Cameron, C.Ei, and C. H. Lawn, A.M. Aust. Min. Engs. (seere_tary), tooother with the following visiting engineers, Messrs F. S. Depern, A.M.T.C.F.:., J. C. McLauchlan, Patea County Engineer, and F.. G. Davics, Patea Borough Engineer.

In the absence of Mr. Christiansen, chairman of Pa'tea Harbor Board, Mr. Grainger, deputy-chairman, 011 behalf of the Harbor Board and other local bodies, welcomed the engineers to tho town. He indicated his pleasure at being able to be present, and said lie endorsed the aims of the Society, and considered it stood for better and more efficient engineering in the future, and trusted that the members would have a profitable meeting anri a pleasurable stay in Patea.

The chairman thanked Mr. Grainger for his hearty welcome. Routine business connected with the Society was then gone through, fifter which n paper 011 "The Patea Harbor and Works Connected Therewith," was given by the engineer in charge, Mr. R. 8. Thompson, A.M.I.C.E. The-paper outlined the original proposals for the formation of an entrance to Patea River and bail or as put forward by Sir John C'oodo in 187!). Original plans were shown, and a description of the works prosecuted since the above date to the present time were discussed, and a lucid description of the present projected extensions cf tile harbor works was presented. Plans of the present works were shown and described. Mr. Thomp son ars-.vcred the questions of several of the members, after which there was a short general discussion 011 the subject. Messrs Sharp, Dowsctt, and Cameron taking part. Mr. Thompson ,vas accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his paper.

The subject'of "The Failure of Concrete Pipes when Used for Sewerage Purposes," was next discussed. Facts regarding such failures were admitted and Mr. C. H. Lawn, read a short paper on the possible ways in which such failures could eventuate, roughly outlining the- physical properties of the materials used and the effects of certain gases and fluids on tliem. Mr. Lawn was accorded a vote of thanks for his paper

''The Use of Indented Steel Bars in Reinforced Concrete," was generally discussed from the views of economy in cost, effectiveness in tise and strength in comparison with other steel bar.

The question of ''Concreting Earthenware Pipes Under Dee]) Embankments" was very fully discussed; the main speaker iieing Mr. H. H. Sharp, Resident Engineer of the Public Works De.partmcnt. This gentleman gave experience- on several works, and quoted authorities on the subject. A general discussion on the economies of this class of work was carried on. Cots of some work of this nature were compared, and a good deal of useful information was given.

Tlie place of next quarterly meeting was set down as Xew Plymouth, when the subjects "Superannuation" and ''The Economies of Road Construction - ' will lie discussed. Mr. .T. C. Cameron will also give a short paiper the Hawera Water Tower.

A heartv vote of thanks was passed to the Patea Harbor Board foi the use of the eham'bei and otliei arrangements which had been made for the benefit of the visitors.

After a lunch adjournment the. visiting members motored to the harbor, where the works now in progress were inspected. Much interest was shown in the preparations now being made for the construction of the reinforced concrete ca-ssons to he used in the extension of the tiaining walis. Mr. Thompson personally conducted the visitors over the works, and explained the screening operations, use of aerial transporter, construction of the gigantic crane:, and other works in operation. Tin extractor for the works, Mr. Pulley, als-i explained matters of interest. The weather conditions were extremely favora'hle fo> tin visit, and ail expressed their satisfaction at baying received both pleasure and profit therfc(rom.

There is 110 douibt that the meetings, such as t!n> above, will prove of groat usefulness to the member# of the Society, an tliev yivp opportunities for tile interchange of ideas and the broadening of views and are an incentive to greater cllieieney. That such i'n~the long n II will be of benefit to tile local todies employing these geiitlcmert cannot lie gainsaid. Given regular meetings and organised discussion, the Dominion ns a Whole will be the gainer, and, with properly directed engineering, solid and permanent works will he constructed, which will be monuments to the activity of the above Society