DAMAGE TO WHARF

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20634, 9 December 1941, Page 8

DAMAGE TO WHARF

SHIP AT NEW PLYMOUTH VESSEL CAUGHT BY WIND (Per Preaa Association.) NEW PLYMOUTH, this tiny. Considerable damage was done to the Newton King wharf at New Plymouth recently when a vessel being swung preparatory to berthing struck the outer end of the wharf near the north-western corner, carrying away a portion of the decking and superstructure. Although conditions were comparatively calm at the time, the vessel was caught by a sudden change of wind and came into collision with the wharf with such force that a triangular section of the decking, approximately 201't. across the end was completely cut away, while the surrounding decking was tilted for some distance from the place of impact between two large piles and, in addition to the decking, the whole of the under-structure in the same place was carried away. The timbers, many of which measure 12ins. by 12ins., were completely cut by the force of the impact and, although hardwood had been extensively used, it was so crushed as to resemble matchwood. Fortunately the vessel sustained no damage. The heavy mooring piles about 12ft. back from the outer end of the wharf, probably had the effect of preventing the vessel cutting further into the structure.