HARBOR BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 May 1920, Page 2

HARBOR BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING. The New Plymouth Harbor Board met yesterday. Present: Messrs. N. King (chairman), J. 8. Connett, C. H. Burgess, ,J. McChiggage, C. A. Wilkinson, E. Maxwell, and & McGuinness. HARBOKMASTER'S REPORT. The harbormaster (Captain W. Waller) reported for the four weeks ending on May Bth: The number of vessels entering the port was 17, of an aggregate tonnage of 22,030 tons. Imports totalled 5430 tons, and exports 1923 tons, the total handled being 7353 tons. The arrival of the steamer Lorain (6861 tons) was also referred to by the harbormaster. ENGINEER'S REPORT. The engineer's (Mr. Blair Mason), report' referred to the dredge's overhaul at Wellington, which it was expected would be completed about the 15th inst. The stormy weather and heavy seas during April delayed the Thomas King for eight days, besides three days' holidays at Easter. The output for the month was 2720 tons, and was all deposited on the line of the breakwater.

Soundings taken on this line on the 7th inst. showed a minimum depth of 4ft Bin, 150 feet from the end of the breakwater, and at 300 ft distance, a depth of Bft Gin. Comparing these with soundings taken on November last, there is an average slhoaling of 7ft Sin over a distance of 350 ft from the breakwater. •

Referring to the quarries, the engineer stated the loose stone from the No. A tunnel has been barred down and made safe. The No- B tunnel, low down the face, is being driven, and should be completed within the next fortnight, and will then be charged and fired. The work at the Fishing Rock quarry Is proceeding as usual. Referring to the shelter shed on the Wharf, the engineer stated that all the timber is to hand with the exception of the weather boards, and the carpenters are employed preparing the frame work. The first shed to be erected will be 140 ft long, and will be so placed at the northern end of the wharf to be opposite the highest part of a ship when in the berth. Extensions to the shed can be greeted as found required. The approximate cost of a 140 ft shed is £I2OO.