GREYMOUTH HARBOUR

Greymouth Evening Star, 8 September 1938, Page 11

GREYMOUTH HARBOUR

LOAN BILL INTRODUCED. I HPttCIAL TO “STAR.”] WELLINGTON, September 7. Leave to introduce the Greymouth Harbour Board Loan Bill was given jby the House of Representatives, toI day, at the request of Mr. J. O'Brien. I After his explanation of the Bill, it was read a first time, and referred to the Local Bills Committee. Mr. O’Brien said that the reason for the introduction of the Bill at such a late stage of the session was because of the difficulties experienced by Greymouth Harbour Board in connection with boiler pressure avowed to be used on its tug. Pressure had already been reduced by ten pounds, and any further reduction would make the tug useless so far as the Harbour Board was concerned. The bar harbour nt Greymouth was not always safe, and when the Greymouth River was in high flood, vessels were in danger of being wrenched from their moorings. It was imperative in order to avoid danger and damage to life and property, that the tug should be available at all times. It was also necessary to have the dredge available to keep the berthage areas clear from shingle Washed down the river. The present dredge was 30 years old and the board intended to purchase a Priestman grab dredge that would serve the duel purpose of tug and dredge. The Marine Department and the Treasury did not raise any objection to the Bill. The grab dredge would cost £40,000, and the Bill provided that the money be raised without a poll of ratepayers. The Bill was very necessary in order to enable work of the port to be carried on.