WORK COMPLETED

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 69, 22 March 1934, Page 5

WORK COMPLETED

WHARF AT CHATHAMS.

FACILITIES FOR SHIPPING. STEAMER IN ROUGH WEATHER J The new wliarf at Waitangi, the principal settlement at the Chatham Islands, was completed on March 5. The cost is £13,000. Mr. F. Langbein, district Public Works engineer, who returned to Christcliurch after inspecting the wharf, said that, though it was a good job constructionally, it would not always be usable on account of the swell which, at times, is encountered in the bay (states the "Times"). Mr. Langbein left Christchurch about a fortnight ago on the steamer Tees. On arrival at Waitangi on Thursday, March 8, the Tees could not moor at the new wharf on account of the swell, so the cargo was landed in surf-boats. It was not until the Sunday that the steamer could put in to the wharf and land her passengers. Shelter From Gale. During the night a big westerly sea came up, and the Tees had to steam to Owenga, on the east side of the island. She could have sheltered in a little cove across from Waitangi, but a trawler had gone there first. Next morning she sent a wireless message to Waitangi, and her passengers rode 10 miles overland on horseback to make their connection. The Tees had previously loaded gear and a number of workmen to go Pitt Island, where the contractor fo the new wharf is to build a jetty and piane. Here, the men and gear were landed in the steamers surf-boat and the loading of a consignment of Xluu -beep was commenced. Unfortunately, the surf-boat struck a rock, and was lioled. . _ ' • '

During the night more rough weather was experienced, and the Tees had to stand off shore. March 15, Mr. Langbein's birthday, was spent fishing for blue cod off Tupurangi, near the scene of operations. The rest of the sheep were eventually loaded, and the Tees returned to Waitangi before leaving for Lyttelton at nine o'clock on Saturday night. Mr. Langbein intended to spend only a week at the Chathams, but, on account of the difficulties experienced in landing at the beginning of his trip, it extended over a fortnight. Sheep Farming. Pitt Island, which is about four hours' sailing from Waitangi, is 15,000 acres in extent and carries upwards of 11,000 sheep. The island _is fairly liillv, its highest point being 971 ft abo've sea level, and partly busliclad, though to the north there is some excellent limestone country. Referring to the nature of the land on Pitt Island, Mr. Langbein said that he was surprised at its low valuation. It was rated at £7 to £8 an acre; the same land in Canterbury, and near to a market, would be worth about £30. Onoua is the main settlement on the island, and nearby is the Flower Pot, a tiny cove where the surf-boats put in. So far, the island has no better facilities for landing, and in stormy weather it is impossible to get ashore. To the west of Pitt is Mangere Island, a rough dot of land conspicuous by 900-foot cliffs rising sheer from the water's edge. The island carries about 7000 sheep, which are mustered once a year for shearing.