HARBOR BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 November 1922, Page 6

HARBOR BOARD.

LATEST SOUNDINGS. SAFETY OF VESSELS. The New Plymouth Harbor Board held its monthly meeting yesterday, when there nresent: Messrs. C. E. Bellringer (chairman), Newton King, C H. Burgess, J. S. Connett, C. A. Wilkinson, C. E. McGuiness and E. Maxwell. The harbormaster (Captain W. Waller) reported that the harbor and approaches were sounded on November 7 and 8. ‘The .three fathom contour line still maintained a channel 720 feet wide, and with a fairway depth of 23 feet 6 inches at low water ordinary spring” tide. Very little slltation had taken place during the past 12 months, the sandbank Inside the breakwater being very small in area compared with what it was 3 or 4 years ago. BREAKWTND ON WHARF. The now breakwind at the wharf is finished, and, according to the report of Captain W. Waller (harbormaster), well fulfils the purpose for which it was designed, namely to minimise the windage on the liners berthed at the wharf during north-west and wester’fr gales. It is also a protection during southeast gales for shipping at the inner western berth. “As the effect is so beneficial,” the report continued, "I would respectfully suggest that a further 60 feet be erected on the far end of the wharf. This will give complete shelter during strong winds for liners 500 feet in length, by protecting the bows of the vessel.” In this connection. Captain Waller stated the forecastle head of the Port Denison, now in port, was 48 feet above th? water line. This would give some idea of the area exposed to the wind. The chairman mentioned that the present screen had cost a little more than had been anticipated and the extra length would cost about £l7O. Members agreed with the harbor master’s suggestion and thought that the board should do everything possible to ensure greater safety for the vessels berthed at "the wharf. On the motion of Mr. Newton King, seconded by Mr. Wilkinson, authority was given to proceed with the work. HARBORMASTER’S REPORT. Captain W. Waller (harbormaster) reported that for the four weeks ended November 11. 20 vessels of an aggregate tonnage of 17591 tons had entered the port. The Imports were 4975 tons and the exports 2176 tons, making a total of 7151 tons of cargo handled at the port. The motor-ship Hermes, from Singapore, via Auckland and Lyttelton, landed 23780 cases of benzine. Her draught was 23 feet 2 inches aft. ENGINEER’S REPORT. The following report was submitted by the resident, engineer (Mr. G. W. B. Lowson) : Dredging.—The Paritutu’s returns for the month are: Bucket dredging, new wharf cut, 6900 tons; eastern berth. 1600 tons; suction dredging, sandbank, 1600 tons. a. total of 10,100 tons, all of which dumped at sea. A further 200 feet, of the new wharf cut was deepened to 33 feet, but the weather during a great part of the period was very unsettled and not conducive to good work. Reclamation Works.—The reclamation wall was advanced a further 60 feet to a total distance of 360 feet, 3503 tons of stone being trucked to this work during the month. The reclamation of the pile yard approach is now well advanced, 1032 yards of clay being tipped thereon during the period. Breakwind.—A breakwind 140 feet long and 25 feet high, was erected on the wharf south of the existing sheds during the month. General.—The compressor and boiler toi be Lused in connection with the pneumatic drills

on the new wharf are being installed. Fifty pile shoes have been made for wharf repairs, and general maintenance work attended to. The report was adopted. ’ GENERAL. A circular letter was received from the Shipowners’ Federation, representing all the overseas and coastal shipping companies, applying for a reduction in the board's dues. They pointed out that wages and costs had been reduced and the companies had lowered their freights, and they thought the harbor boards should come into line in- reducing charges. It was pointed out that the New Plymouth Harbor Board had not increased its charges, and the matter was left in the hands of the chairman and secretary to reply to that effect. The chairman reported that it had been too late to have a clause inserted in the Washing Up Bill with reference to the exchange of sections with the borough council for the purpose of providing a site for the borough war (memorial. In view of the delay thta must necessarily occur before the necessary legislation could be passed, it was decided to have the agreed upon details of exchange set out. in a deed between the two bodies. A letter was received from the Harbor Association with respect to the board’s telegram protesting against a clause in the Harbors' Bill. The protest had been brought to the notice of the Minister, but it had been too late to do anything.