HOKITIKA WHARF

Grey River Argus, 13 February 1945, Page 4

HOKITIKA WHARF

LARGELY DESTROYED By River Erosion HOKITIKA, Feb. 12. Last evening the river caused further erosion at the wharf, th e main backing piles being completely scoured out and the structure holding back the land has subsided. At the wharf the subsidence is four feet, and is still growing. After an inspection this morning by the Chairman of the Harbour Board, Mr M. H. Houston; Mr A. R. Elcock (the Mayor); and the Engineer of Public Works, the first named telegraphed Hon. J. O'Brien, asking that the Government take immediate action to safeguard the town, as in the event of a major flood the lower portion would be in danger. The Mayor decided to have Council workmen assist in fixing wire ropes in an effort to hold the wharf in position until repairs can be effected. The wharf has moved out three feet, and is in a precarious position. An old resident gave an explanation of the subsidence, slating the ground for a depth of 80 feet comprises mostly silt, with a light layer of gravel. The silt was continually slipping, as many years ago the Flarbour Board was faced with similar trouble, and a row of piles had to be driven to a good depth to stop erosion. It would appear that the trouble has recurred, and with the decayed state of the timber backing there is nothing to hold the silt, the stone embankment having slipped through it towards the toe of the wall. The Council staff has commenced tying the wall back to stay, piles, but the job is difficult, as the piles are scouring for their full depth, and the whole structure moving into the river. If the erosion continues at the same rate it is possible that the wharf structure may go out completely into the river.

120 FEET FALLS INTO RIVER

As apprehended in to-day’s earlier report, there has this evening been a more serious development in the deterioration of the wharf as a result of the river's erosion. Shortly before 5 p.m. the sagging structure for a length of one hundred and twenty feet, at the eastern end of the wharf, 'opposite where the box factory formerly stood, went with a crash down into the river. It seems as if remaining “wings” of the collapsed part will have also to be cut away. The debris meantime is making matters worse. As earlier reported, Council workmen during the day were engaged trying to tie back the wharf with wire ropes to stays, but before they could succeed, the effect ot the current undid their effort, and down went the wharf. T'hei part that has now gone was the one wMch had most recently been renewed. The river for the past couple of years has been tending more to the north bank, and some think that protective work on the south side further up has played a part in this diversion. East of where the present collapse has occurred the piles are comparatively new. The general opinion here is now that it is a race against the danger of a major flood in having the protection restored. The river is edging into Gibson Quay and were it further to erode in the same direction, it might cut straight to sea across Wharf Street. and either isolate or sweep away 1 the area to the south and west of it. The material into which the water is edging is very easily washed away. To-night there was, it is stated, 28 feet of water where the wharf collapsed. Messrs Radford (engineer to Rdmu Flat Dredging Co.) and Miller (Public Works Department) inspected the scene, th.e. former stating there was no time to delay in protective work. Ad the stays at the back of the wharf are gone or going, consisting of timber and iron tie-rods. The road has subsided ten feet in places. A big flood might prove a disaster. The Mayor (Mr Elcock> takes this view.

A message sent by the Harbour Board to Hon. J. O’Brien states: — Spring tides .have caused heavy erosion at. the main wharf, many of the piles having been completely scoured out. The town is now fully exposed to major flood should one occur. Government assistance is urgently required, the Mayor regarding the situation as one of extreme danger, and urging protective measures at once.