TIMARU HARBOR BOARD.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2140, 20 December 1890, Page 2

TIMARU HARBOR BOARD.

The usual monthly meeting of the Timaru Harbor Board was held last Wednesday. Present Messrs ~E. Acton (chairman), Talbot, Barker, Flatman, Teschemaker, Wilson, Manchester, and Morriß, and Captains Woollcombe and Sutter. After discussing some routine matters the question of the travelling shingle came up. The chairman read the following further report by Mr Marchant:— " I am still of the opinion that the shingle could be retained along the coast south of the breakwater by means of groins projecting from the beach, which would prevent the shingle drifting up to the breakwater. These groins could be extended from time to time at less annual cost than the removal of the shingle would amount to. The effect of tbp groins also would be to increase the destruction of the shingle into sand, and if there were no other considerations I should consider the matter practically settled by these means. " It has of late become evident that the wholesale destruction of shingle into sand is followed by shoaling tendencies seaward of the breakwater. Though no ill results have occurred from it hitherto, it must be regarded as a serious symptom.: Also the northern shingle beaches have wasted very much recently, which waste must be followed by encroachment of the sea on the mainland. " These considerations lead me to advise that the future policy of the board shall certainly be the removal of the shingle accumulation and its deposit on the northern beaches, versus any construction of works having for their object the retention of large bodies of shingle south of the breakwater. " This point fixed, I am not prepared to advise the board to commence immediate and periodical removal of the accumulation, though I am afraid it must come to thai before long. I should prefer to let the matter stand for seme time yet to await possible further developments. At the same time J certainly think a trial should be made of our power of dealing with the question, as a matter of prudence and not to stave it off until the last moment. The cost of such a trial is simply nothing compared with the value of its results and the magnitude of interests concerned. " Should tbe board before making such a trial desire to have an outside opinion on the whole question, I shall be in thorough harmony with its wish. I Bubmit, however, that no mere opinion from any source can compete with the practical answer my proposal will afford. " I believe the trial working will reveal the fact that the shingle difficulty—about which volumes have been written —anrL the most doleful prophecies made —is but a yerjr moderate affair after all, costing perhaps for all time a little more than half of our aonual dredging bill. " The board are dealing with a most mighty and uncertain force of nature, in relation to which the unexpected always happens. The projection of a breakwater from the shore alters the ceastal currents, and produces all sorts of effects that cannot be foreseen in addition to those that can be. " The most experienced marine engineers throughout the world have had failures where success seemed easy and certain, and success where failure appeared imminent, and no absolutely certain advice can be given or prediction made on such a subject. " Where nature is opposed, as in our case, results must be followed and the palliatives reason and experience suggest applied to each symptom as it develops, having regard to general principles. " At present I see the way perfectly clearly to maintain the works for all time at a very mederate cost, by endeavoring to restore as far as possible the natural conditions existing before the construction of the breakwater. Whether any unforeseen contingencies will arise to make the work more difficult or yet easier I must leave the future to show."

Captain Sutter moved and Mr Morris seconded a motion to the effect that the engineer be instructed to complete the deepening of the inshore berth at the main wharf, and this having been done satisfactorily, he employ the dredge for 90 working days, in accordance with his suggeition, he being authorised alio to proceed with the construction of a shingle hopper on the breakwater. Mr Teschemaker moved and Mr Talbot seconded as an amendment — " That the chairman be requested to take the necessary steps for the immediate appointment of a commission consisting ef Messrs O'Connor, G-oodall, and Merchant, C.E.'s, for the purpose of enquiring into the best means of checking the travelling shingle, the general state ef the harbor with regard to shingle deposits, and maintenance of water, and that no steps be undertaken towards the removal of shingle until the report from the said commission be received."

A long discussion took place as to the relative merits of both proposals. Captain Sutter and others argued that it was best to experiment first of all before inviting expert opinion. The experiments would cost between £250 and £3OO. On the other haod Mr Tescherraker held that it was better* to have expert advice at once, and!

after the question was argued at great length Captain Sutter's motion was carried by fiye to four rotes,

The wharfage for the four weeks ended November Bth was £877 17s Bd. Ihe amount collected this year was £IOOO more than last year; /Accounts to the amount of £555 were passed for payment and the board adjourned.