Mud Over Foundations For Big Lyttelton Breakwater

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28552, 3 April 1958, Page 18

Mud Over Foundations For Big Lyttelton Breakwater

Renewed complaints about lack of information given to board members on the progress of harbour extension woiks were made at yesterday’s meeting of the Lyttelton Harbour Board. A statement was made that the mud above rock foundations for the breakwater was 200 feet deep and that an early visit to Lyttelton was expected by the Norwegian expert. Dr. L. Bjerrum. of Oslo, who is advising the board on the problems of foundations.

The general picture of conditions under water in the harbour was that the slope of the hills was repeated, said the engineer-in-chief (Mr J. A. Cashin), in answer to Mr F. W. Freeman. The depth of mud over the whole area was not known but bands of sand and volcanic materials were being found in the mud. The investigations might be useful in helping to save quantities of rock by finding bands to strength the breakwater and reclamation. Mr G. Manning: We have not found any uranium yet? The mud at the last drilling site was at a depth of 200 feet below harbour datum, which was above 24 feet of water, said Mr Cashin. Rock had been drilled into for six feet.

“The public does not really know what we are up against,” said Mr Freeman Usually good foundations are available for bridges but to get stabilisation for the breakwater and reclamation was a problem with the mud.

Mr W. B. Laing: I thought it would be soft, blue clay. Is it all soft stuff? Mr Cashin: Yes. , “Plenty of Publicity”

He had raised questions seekI ing information on the harbour works at the last two meetings, said Mr F. I. Sutton, and now. by his questions, Mr Freeman had supported him. There had been a lack of public relations and details of the progress of works in the harbour in the last three or four months. From its meetings, the board received plenty of publicity Good work was being done and the public should know about it. He named a reporter of “The Press’’ and suggested that he be asked to write articles. Mr L. G. Amos: You make a “blue” and you will get plenty of publicity. Had any word been received from Dr. Bjerrum of Oslo, about his proposed visit to Lyttelton, asked Mr Sutton. He asked that maps should be displayed at every meeting of the board show-i ing the progress of the work. “We can do with all the publicity we can get but it is not over only to the reporters but to others in their office,’’ said the

chairman. “We just have to take what we can get, and be thank-

The visit of representatives of Canterbury local bodies to the port resulted in very informative publicity, said Mr Manning. The board also had a live representative on the Chamber of Commerce (Mr Sutton).

“I don’t think the public wants photographs in the papers of the secretary or any member eating.” said Mr Sutton. “Instead of having five photographs of that we should have five of Lyttelton harbour.”

“I thoroughly agree.” remarked the secretary-manager (Mr A. L. Burk) with a laugh. Visits By Experts

Mr Freeman said the presidents of the British Institutions of Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers would visit New Zealand and one might be able to help Mr Cashin with his problems.

Dr Bjerrum had written that he would probably make his visit to Lyttelton early this year, said Mr Cashin. As for asking the advice of the other engineers about the mud, his answer was “No.” Dr Bjerrum was, in his opinion, the best authority on the subject in the world and no better information than that from him could be obtained. Certainly the English engineers would be interested in what the board had to say and in the Lyttelton job. but he did not think the board should ask for any advice on it. Mr Glue: It is important that we should get into touch with people from overseas when they are here.

Mr Freeman: You want to get them on the wing.