PATEA HARBOUR BOARD

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 32, 8 February 1939, Page 9

PATEA HARBOUR BOARD

REPORTS AT MEETING IRON SURVEY PLANNED (Own Correspondent). PATEA, Feb. 7. It had been generally recognised that a systematic examination of this country’s reserves of iron sands in regard to both quantity and quality was a desirable work, stated a letter from the State Iron and Steel Department received at the Patea Harbour Board meeting yesterday. The department having regard to the responsibility placed on it by the Iron and Steel Industry Act, 1937, whereby the commissioners appointed under that Act are vested with the sole authority for the mining of iron ore in New Zealand, had decided to commence the survey. This work and the ultimate result, it was intended to co-ordinate with the Government’s plans to establish a State steel works, which decision admittedly was based mainly on the ore deposits in the Onekaka region, but the significance of the iron sands had not been lost sight of. The department was seeking the co-opera-tion of the board in this matter and for its permission to a drill crew taking samples from the iron sands under the board’s control. They had no doubt that the board members would appreciate the need for a systematic survey, and an authoritative statement on the iron sand reserves. The department would appreciate any facilities that the board may be able to extend to the representatives of the department while they were working in the board’s district.

The Patea Seaside Society tanked the board for the use of the launch on January 2. The harbourmaster, on behalf of the chairman of the Seaside Society, explained that the proposed paddling pool at the beach was not being done without considering the board’s authority, but the society was only trying at present to raise the money and then would approach the board. Strong westerly winds and rough seas prevailed during the whole of December, consequently the shipping list was small, reported the harbourmaster, Captain W. E. Barnes. There were eight arrivals and seven departures. The bar was unworkable on nineteen days. The constant westerly weather shallowed the bar considerably and soundings were impracticable. Westerly weather, with rough seas, continued until January 20. The bar was unworkable on thirteen days during January, with eighteen arrivals and nineteen departures. The dredge crew resumed duty on January 6 after annual leave and since then the dredge had been employed, when weather permitted, at the berths and between the walls. Work was at a standstill on the eastern wall, no further labour being available at present. During the re-

cent heavy weather the work done, blocks, etc., broke up the scour along the waal considerably and therefore had effectively blocked the most of the leakage through the wall. The bar and entrance were sounded on the 28th. and it was found the bar had shifted out and deepened. The signal station was in fair order. Those present were Messrs. A. Pearce (chairman), W. H. Watkins, F. Parsons, F. Naismith, L. Clapham, G. Meuli, and the secretary (Mr. E. O. Horner) and harbourmaster (Capt. W. E. Barnes). Port of Patea Imports for November, 1938, showed a slight increase, 440 tons against 422, and exports were 2702 tons (2584). Approximate value of exports was £154,800 (£148,700). For December, 1938, imports decreased by 156 tons, 306 (462). Exports showed a considerable decrease, 1235 tons (4476). Approximate value of exports, £68,880 (£263,780). Figures in parentheses for previous year.