HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 2 February 1945, Page 6

HOKITIKA NOTES

[Our Own Correspondent]. HOKITIKA, February 1. At a special meeting, the Hokitika Harbour Board this afternoon considered a special report on the damage caused lo the wharf by erosion. An inspection was made, and the Chairman, Mr M. H. Houston, who stated that the cost of reconstruction would be beyond the Board’s finances, was empowered to discuss the matter' with the Mayor (Mr A. R. Elcock), with a view to seeking Government assistance. The Chairman said that in the meantime the Board would have to await the report of the inspecting engineer. Mr J. Richards said that the damnring of the second channel with quarry stone by the Railway Department was directly responsible for diverting the river back to the wharf channel, and this was directly responsible for the present trouble. In view of these circumstances, it was up to the Government to come to the assistance of the Board. The Chairman said it was useless for the Board to think of tackling the problem. It had no money available. The present harbour loan would not expire until May, 1948, and the people could not be expected to face up to another rate for the harbour. The situation would have to be tackled by the Government. The matter wa's vital to the safety of the town. It was decided to await a report from the Minister of Marine in the meantime. MiRich ards was appointed to represent the Board at the Regional Council Conference at Greymouth on February; 19. The Signalman reported that th e channel over the bar was running in a westerly direction, and carrying from 12 to 13 feet of water at high tide. The Treasurer reported; Receipts £7B 5s lOd; payments £lO2 2s lid; credit balance £133 15s. It was resolved to notify the Transport Company that their gear and equipment would have to be removed from the Harbour Board area, as it was hampering approaches to the sheds. Two sections were leased to William Bannister, of Bruce Bay, at a rental of £1 each per annum. The transfer of a lease from Mrs Douglas, deceased, to Mrs S. V. Douglas was approved.