ONEHUNGA WHARF.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 221, 18 September 1929, Page 10

ONEHUNGA WHARF.

MAINTENANCE OF TIMBER

PORTION

RECONSTRUCTION SCHEME

PROPOSAL BEFORE BOARD

Alternative schemes for reconstruction and reinforcement of portion of the Onehunga wharf, to reduce excessive maintenance charges, were submitted to yesterday's meeting of the Auckland Harbour Board by the engineer (Mr. D. Holderncss). Without discussion, the whole question was referred to the Manukau Harbour Committee for investigation and report.

Mr. Holdcrncss stated that, when the new concrete wharf was built, at Onehunga, an area of 11,050 square feet of the old timber wharf was left standing, and incorporated in the structure. This provided for -270 lineal feet of berthage, with a single line of rail, which was utilised mainly by. sand boats. Maintenance costs had increased from 4/4.\ a square yard to 6/12, and were likely to increase sitill further. Every effort had been made to reduce these charges, but the Railway Department was constantly demanding additional repairs. With a view to overcoming the difficulty, he had drawn up four alternative schemes. involving expenditure ranging from £0500 to £11,500 for the reinforcing of the main berth eastward in concrete, and the complete reconstruction of the timber portion of the wharf in Australian hardwoods.

So long as the maintenance charges did not exceed £000 a year, and providing deterioration to the berth at the timber structure due to silting was not serious, there would be no justification for any additional capital expenditure. Repairs were now being effected to the approach to the timber . wharf, including the driving of piles at a cost of £800, and by this means the charges should bo considerably reduced for a

number of'years. If, however, there was any likelihood of one of the major schemes referred to being adopted at an early date, it would, perhaps, bo better to hasten the work rather than to spend money on merely temporary repairs.