RADIO EQUIPMENT FOR GREYMOUTH HARBOUR ARRIVES

Greymouth Evening Star, 10 March 1949, Page 3

RADIO EQUIPMENT FOR GREYMOUTH HARBOUR ARRIVES

The shore-to-shore radio telephone equipment to be installed by the Greymouth Harbour Board, to facilitate the working of the port, has arrived in New Zealand and should be in operation shortly. This fact was mentioned at last night’s meeting of the board when it was decided to give consideration to a proposal by Mr E. W. Heenan that former army transceivers be installed in the board’s dredge and tug. Mr Heenan said he understood that the radio set for the working of the port was in New Zealand and. would be installed soon. He would like the board to consider the purchase of two ZC I sets from War Assets, at £2O each, for the dredge and tug. The sets, which originally cost about £2OO, were very rugged and would be useful.*- T _ , x The engineer (Mr D. S. Kennedy) said it was correct that the big set for the harbour was in New. Zealand. After some further discussion on the usefulness of the ZC I sets, duiing which the harbour master (captain H. Moar) pointed out that Westport already had sets on its dredge and tug, it was decided o refer Mr Heenan’s .suggestion to the engineer, with power to act. Engineer’s Report Detailed plans for the south breakwater fender piling scheme and auxiliary plant were in hand, stated th~ engineer in his monthly report. He also reported that on his return from Australia at the end of last month he found all the works in good going ordei and this, he felt, was a tribute to the whole staff, including Mr B. D. Forbes, who was acting-engineer. During February a spell of rough seas caused some delay to outside work but good prograss generally was made with the reniainder of ‘ the works programme. Cement supplies having arrived at the end of January good progress was made with the south breakwater work. Several bases for large blocks were cast. Nine three-ton and seven two-ton blocks were made and a further section on the river flank of the breakwater was concreted. On the main wharf the strengthening of and reconscruction of No. 2 berth had been completed. The survey of the dredge Mawhera was almost completed, having been delayed to some extent by staff changes and shortages. A certified welder had been engaged and had been employed on dredge overhaul work? The roof of the new workshop had been completed and the interior work was progressing satisfactorily. Some shortages in the staffing position occurred during the month, due to transfers and sickness, added Mr Kennedy, but the situation had improved, replacements being made where possible. In reply to a question by Mr W. M. Wallace, the engineer said that so far they were well within the estimate for the workshop. The transfer of the machinery would take place next week. The harbourmaster reported that the average bar depth for the month was 24ft Bin and the river 21ft Win. The shipping return for February was:— Arrivals, 11 vessels (11,285 tonsi; departures, 12 vessels (9301 tons). The Finance Committee reported that the harbour fund had a debit balance of £6,665 Ils Bd, the receipts since the last meeting totalling £5,390 3s 7d.

Lease Of Building

The chief postmaster, Greymouth, advised that the department expected to vacate the motor garage and workshop in Gresson street, leased from the board, during the present month. It was decided to call applications for a five-year lease of the building, under certain conditions, at an annual rental of £l5O. An application for the temporary use of the building was declined.

The following amounts were remitted by the Treasury Department:—General wharfages, £2lB 4s lOd; wharfages on State coal, £l5l 9s 9d, £177 16s 4d, £l2l 17s, £657 9s 6d; Government subsidy, £3410 15s Id; Housing Department for soil removed from Cobden Island, £lB6 14s; Mines Department rent, £l3 16s 3d.

Present at the meeting were:— Messrs F. Williams (chairman), C. Ooxall, W. M. Wallace, W. E. J. Steer, E. W. Heenan, the engineer (Mr D. S. Kennedy), the harbourmaster (Captain H. Moar), and the secretary (Mr R. Steel).