MUD WAVE IN HARBOUR

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28888, 7 May 1959, Page 10

MUD WAVE IN HARBOUR

Propeller Experiment Unsuccessful

While the dredge Canterbury was undergoing its half-yearly overhaul, an experiment to remove the mud wave caused by the depositing of rock for the eastern extension of the port at Lyttelton was carried out. The wash from the propellers of the tug Lyttelton was used. The results were meagre and the work was discontinued.

Experimental jetting for the removal of the mud wave had been continued as opportunity allowed. the engineer-in-chief (Mr J. A. Cashin) also reported to yesterday’s meeting of the Lyttelton Harbour Board.

Was the punt equipped with jetting plant a success when it was tried out? asked Mr W. B. Laing. He had emphasised at the April meeting that conditions would have to be ideal for the punt to work efficiently. The tug was a shallow vessel and would not give the same action from its propellers as would the steamer express at the No. 2 wharf, said Mr Laing. If the steamer express could be berthed at the tipping site, the board might get results. For a small piece of plant, the punt was a reasonable success, said Mr Cashin. It had been in service only a short time. Unfortunately, the weather was as bad as it was yesterday when the dredge was under overhaul and the punt could not go into the site.

When the water truck on the quarry roads ran off the road while being backed, due to an error of judgment of the driver, the vehicle was wrecked, reported Mr Cashin. The driver was unhurt.