THE HARBOR.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 March 1922, Page 5

THE HARBOR.

PROGRESS OF NEW WORKS. THE QUARRYING OPERATIONS. Reports embodying suggestions for pushing on the harbor development scheme were received by the New Plymouth Harbor Board yesterday from tha engineers. The resident engineer (Mr. Lowson)' reported upon the quarries and the means of accelerating the -output. He reviewed the present situation as follows:—The quarry approach is still too narrow, restricting the number of men and cranes it is possible to use at the face, while the stone itself is ao well interlocked that it has been impossible so far to secure a run of any magnitude. To obtain an output, therefore, it has been necessary to pull down much or most of the large stone, a slow process, and one which will leave in its wake a large quantity of debris, which must be removed ere further large stone can bo obtained. It is also inadvisable to attempt to maintain a stone output and at the same time emplay one of the cranes to widen the quarry floor, as when the approach is being widened the quarry ouput is for the time being decreased. INCREASING THE SHIFTS. Up till now too heavy cranei have been employed to carry out all clasSss of work in the quarry, and as they are only suitable for handling large stone they have not been of much assistance in opening up the quarry. Now, that the board have replied one of these cranes with a grab crane it would be advisable to use this machine to the Utmost by working night shifts and opening up the quarry without hampering the output by leaving both cranes free to carry on the latter during the daytime. Later on, when the quarry *s opened up properly, it will probably be found advisable to still continue night work to clear away the debris and thtu leave more large atone for the day shift to handle. On the recommendation of the works committee it was decided to work tWU or three shifts at the quarry if satisfactory arrangements can be made. The consulting engineers (Messrs. Blair Mason, Lee and Owen), also reported on this question. They were of opinion that further and up-to-dato was necessary to ensure ft supply of stone satisfactory in quantity and in price, and recommended that a special crane of similar type to that placed on order in 1920 (the purchase of which could not be completed owing to the financial stringency) be procured. From quotations received from England it appeared the time was opportune for buying. A suggestion from the resident engineer that a combined steam shovel and crane would be suitable, was also worthy of consideration. The work of stone-getting and depositing was being carried out as expeditiously as the appliances would permit. The suggestions of the resident engineer would considerably facilitate the work, and in conjunction with a new crane the maximum output would then be obtained. THE NEW WHARF.

The suitability of the stone and gravel supply at Moturoa for use in tM concrete construction of the new wharf is under investigation. The atone from Paritutu contains various qualities, ami generally is not suitable for high-das* concrete as required in wharf construction. The other local material is the gravel washed in by the sea, which ws have under examination and teat. Sand of the quality required in reinforeed concrete is difficult to procure locally, and we are experimenting with the chips from quarry dust. Dealing with the wharf site, the report stated: The reaident engineer has been instructed to take the necssary soundings and arrange for testing the grounds for its penetrability and bearing power by driving test piles. This latter work awaits the shipment of piles which are expected early. The supply of this latter information will enable us to take out the particulars of the steel required for the piles, so that it can be placed on order. It is advisable that steps be taken to procure a pile driving plant, consisting of a derrick, winch and monkey, also a machine for bending reinforcements and timber for construction work. The question of procuring machinery as set out in the report was left <0 the works committee, who were given power to act.