GREYMOUTH BAR

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 March 1930, Page 2

GREYMOUTH BAR

IMPORTANT DECISION.

A further serious development foi the port of Greymouth has taken place The manager of the Union Steam Ship Company’s branch (Mr W. B. Cunni gham) has received the following message from the head office, Wellin /° 1 L “In view of the steadily decreasing amount of water on the Grey bar we have decided definitely that we ca risk tonnage to load timber at i y mouth for Australian ports, pending an improvement.” The Kaituna, bound for Austialia, is still in port, and cannot sail owing to the bar conditions, despite the fact that she has only half a load of timbei aboard, or 550,000 ft short of her lull capacity. . The Poolta and Kalingo are two ot the vessels affected by the Union Company’s decision. It is understood that over four million feet of timbei is already awaiting shipment from Greymouth to Australian ports. The latest development constitutes another blow to the timber industry. The depth on the bar at high water yesterday was 14ft Ilin, the slight increase no doubt being accounted foi by the fact that the tides are now making. There are five vessels in port, and the swell on the bar, combined with the low depth of water, still prevents their departure. The improvement in the weather has spoiled the hopes of a fresh in the Grey River, and a consequent scouring of the bar. The installation of the Stewart plant is proceeding on the tug Westland, and the test proposed for the end of the week is awaited with interest.