GREY HARBOUR BOARD

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 April 1929, Page 10

GREY HARBOUR BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Greymouth Harbour Board was held in the Board’s Offices last evening. There were present the Chairman (Mr P. J. McLean), and Messrs D. Tennent, G. E. Perkins, W. Clayton, J. Ryall, G. A. Perry, the Harbour Board Engineer, Mr T. A. Johnston, and the Secretary, Mr W. B. Gilbert. An apology for absence was received from the Mayor, Mr J. W. Greenslade. The Engineer reported as follows for the work carried out during the month of March. — Cobden Quarry.—The output has

been as follows.—First class stone, 1231 tons; Second class stone, 137 tons; Third class stone, 300 tons. Total 1668 tons. The first and second class stone were deposited at the outer end of the North breakwater, while the third class stone was dumped on the northern side of the breakwater for facing purposes. 1114 tons of spoil were deposited for Cobaen Domain improvements. During the month, the quarry face was unworkable for a few days, owing to heavy rain, while Easter holidays also reduced the output. In connection with the quarry, it is considered that a larger Compressor - should be obtained; particularly having in view the volume of large stone necessary for the south breakwater extension. Wharf repairs.—Eight 35ft Ironbark sheet piles have been driven in Bays 97 to 103, and two 46ft main pier piles in Pier No. 60. Oil Store. —This has been erected as an addition to the buildings near the powerhouse, and has been completed with a strong foundation and a concrete floor. 12-ton Hydraulic Crane. —The stiffening of the rocker plates %n the land side bogies, carried out by Anderson’s Ltd., resulted in a very marked improvement in the tracking of the crane, and I recommend that the river side bogies be dealt with similarly as soon as the crane can be conveniently released from duty. Bridge No. 1, South Breakwater Line. —The wharf gang are now employed in renewing stringers and bringing the bridge up to the Railway Department’s. standard. River Wall. —Owing to evidence of a subsidence of the rubble apron along practically the whole length of this wall, it is considered necessary co place additional heavy stone for the purpose of checking the tendency

of the river to scour on this side, and also to stabilise the wall. Previously I understand, the Railway Department placed stone which was supplied f.o.r. Cobden Quarry. Plant. —The plant generally has run satisfactorily. Mr Hambleton and the mechanics having been ipostly engaged in connection with the dredge.

Harbour Lighting.—ln, discussing the report and representations made re the lighting, the Marine Engineer appears to favourably view the question of electrifying the present gaslights constituting the green beacons for giving the course up the river, and suggests replacing the two beacon lights near the end of the south breakwater by one electric light with coloured sectors. It is also suggested that a lens be provided for the white beacon light at the end of the tidal wall, and that the red beacons giving the line of deep water on the bar be altered to the acetone flashing type. With regard to the harbour light on the signal staff at the end of the south breakwater, the question of strength of the lens and burner is to be investigated. In discussing the position generally, the Marine Engineer, interalia, makes the following comments: —“Generally speaking, it seems to me that the most vital lights are the two red leading lights on the tidal wall, indicating the line of deep water on the bar. Should these two lights fail as a vessel is approaching the entrance, I think there is little doubt that a disaster would occur. It is therefore necessary to ensure the absolute reliability of these two lights. To electrify these two lights would mean a considerable amount of transmission line iii an exposed locality which introduces another chance of trouble as well as the possibility of the failure of the main transmission line, oi’ of anything taking place at the power station. I think, there, it would be advisablb to make these two lights of the Acetone flashing type.” In connection with the reply received from the Marine Engineer, the Harbourmaster and I are co-operating with regard to certain additional information required. The Engineer pointed out that the erosion of the rubble was probably connected with the shoaling which took place in the riverbed adjacent to the site of the trouble and he understood that in dredging in the vicinity the Harbourmaster had encountered some difficulty during operations. —The Engineer’s recommendations in the matter were approved. He was also authorised to go into the matter of purchasing a compressor as suggested in his report, and to have the 12-ton crane attended to as recommended.

The Chairman, in referring to the proposed improvements to the harbour lighting arrangements, expressed satisfaction with the Marine Department’s attitude in the matter, and the Engineer, after explaining several details, was authorised to obtain further necessary information. The Engineer’s report was adopted. The Treasury Department remitted £1247/18/8 wharfage and special rate-and £25/7/2 and £232/13/- on account, of State Mines.

It was decided to give the new Wallsend coal a trial when opportunity offers.

Henry Skeats, an employee, wrote complaining of short payment of wages and loss of time owing to being knocked off in misty weather and asking if he was entitled to 10 per cent, on wages overdue therefrom. The foreman reported that Skates had been treated the same as others, the men being knocked off only in stormy weather.—lt was decided to inform Skates that the foreman was the responsible person, and that the Board had every confidence in him. Mr E. A. Warnes wrote agreeing to act as Valuer for the Board’s Cobden sections.

The District Public Trustee wrote stating that the Board’s sinking fund on Consolidated Loan, as at March 31, 1928, was £65,075/17/9. Other routine correspondence in connection with transfers of sections was dealt with, the transfers in each case being approved.

TJie Honorary Secretary of the Sailor’s Rest Committee wrote thanking the Board for renovating the Rest Building.

An application for a shore position on the Board’s staff was receicved. — Referred to the Harbourmaster.

The Wellington Harbour Board forwarded particulars of their Insurance Scheme, covering permanent employ-

ees. —To be circulated to interested parties. A coal lease application held over from a previous meeting, was received from Irene Wafer, and it was decided to inform the applicant that an application over that area had already been granted.

The Chairman announced that the meeting was his last before leaving on a visit to Great Britain, and asked for leave of absence for six months. The request was granted unanimously. HARBOURMASTER’S REPORT. The Harbourmaster (Captain F. W. Cox) reported as follows for the month of March: —The bar maintained a very good average depth and the weather was generally favourable for shipping movements. The depths at high water for the month were: Springs, March 11, bar 27ft, river 22ft, and March 26, bar 28ft, river 23ft. Neaps: March 4, bar 20ft ins, river 20ft, and March 19, bar 26ft Bins, river 21ft Bins. The month’s mean average depths were: Bar 25ft lOins, river 21ft lOins. Rainfall for the month totalled 13.04in5, over 17 days. During March, 22 steamers entered the port, with a total tonnage of 17,572 tons, and 21 steamers, of 17,139 tons cleared outwards. The dredge was put into commission on March 18, and has cleaned up the coal berthage. At present she is dredging the timber berthage. The work in view should be finished before the middle of the month unless additional shoaling takes place. The tug’s certificate expired on March 31, so that she will have to be slipped at the first opportunity for survey etc. The ordinary routine duties have been regularly attended to. FINANCE COMMITTEE. The Finance Committee reported as follows:—

Receipts: The following accounts have been received since date of last meeting:—Wharfages etc. £1436 19/1; Shipping Dues £392/13/10; Special Rate £3Ol/6/10; Rents £4B 17/-; Sale of Old Rails £36/8/9; cident Compensation £27/17/-; Commission Accident Prem. 5/3; Total £2244/7/9. The balances on the various accounts are as follow: —General Account Cr. £5238/11/-; Insurance Fund Accounts Cr. £17049/17/-; Special Rate on Coal Account Cr £Bl4/0/5.

The Harbour Fund Account has a Cr balance of £2302/8/5, and Fixed Deposits £20,800. Accounts totalling £2289 were passed for payment, and the report was adopted.

CHAIRMAN FAREWELLED. The Chairman of the Harbour Board, Mr P. J. McLean, who is leaving shortly on a visit to Britain and Europe, gave a complimentary dinner to members of the Board and shipping men last evening at Revington’s Hotel. Those present included Messrs J. Ryall, W. Clayton, D. Tennent, G. E. Perkins, G. Perry, T. A. Johnston (engineer), Captain Cox (Harbourmaster), W. S. Gilbert (Secretary), G. Laurenson (Engineer Westport Harbour), W. B. Cunningham (manager Union Coy), P. C. Heaphy (manager Anchor Coy), Smythe (Customs Department), F. Barrowman (Assistant Secretary), R. J. Williams (Foreman of Works). Mr Perkins in proposing the toast of the Chairman of the Harbour Board, referred to Mr McLean’s good work in that capacity. On behalf of the Board he wished Mr McLean and his wife and family an enjoyable trip. Messrs Cunningham and Heaphy, on behalf of the shipping companies, also spoke of Mr McLean’s good services as Chairman of the Board. Mi- McLean appropriately responded to the toast.