It's An III Wind... FLOOD OPENED UP WESTPORT HARBOUR

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32393, 4 September 1970, Page 1

It's An III Wind... FLOOD OPENED UP WESTPORT HARBOUR

(From Our Own Reporter) WESTPORT, September 3. The flood at Westport on Monday pushed the sandbank on the Westport bar 2000 ft out to sea and increased the depth in what had often been a troublesome area to 40ft at low tide and 50ft at high tide.

This depth, not before envisaged by harbour authorities, was revealed today by the secretary-manager for the Marine Department at Westport (Mr W. R. Kiely) after soundings had been taken.

The County Engineer Clerk (Mr C. F. Schadick) said that the depths were the best since the port was established. Previously the best reading was recorded in the 1920 s after the breakwater was extended when just over 30ft of water was registered at the entrance.

“UNCERTAIN” Mr Schadick said anything could change the position. Another flood in a few weeks might cause base sand to build up again and, although it was reasonable to expect ocean currents to eliminate the material pushed further out, no-one could be certain what might happen. The . improvement from the flood has staggered shipping interests and if maintained, will allow the free flow of ships in and out of Westport almost regardless of- conditions. With so much water at the entrance, swell should not

affect movements as in the past and vessels will be able to enter at low tide.

By contrast, the deeplydredged areas of Greymouth Harbour were badly affected by the flood according to the Greymouth reporter of “The Press.” SOUNDINGS MADE

Soundings of the harbour area found that the number two berth has only 15ft of water instead of the usual 22ft.

Captain H. J. Gordon, the Greymouth Harbourmaster, said that there had also been a’loss in depth at the number three berth. Number four berth was all right The swinging section had suffered heavy shoaling in the lower sector and moderate shoaling further up. The harbour was still usable and could take ships providing they were not fully laden, Captain Gordon said. Dredging was begun yesterday and by next week the harbour will be able to take a

fully laden K class collier with some manoeuvring.