COLLIERS SAIL

Grey River Argus, 13 August 1946, Page 7

COLLIERS SAIL

After Delay at Greymouth SEAS ABATE With over 3,000 tons of coal in her holds—one of the largest cargoes to be dispatched from Greymouth this year—the s.s. Kiwitea, taking advantage of a brief lull in the rough conditions on the Grey bar, sailed yesterday for Auckland. The s.s. Holfnlea with coal for Picton, and the G.s. Poolta with coal for Napier, also got away after being bar-bound for over 10 days. This news' will be welcomed in North Island centres, where a gas famine has been threatened because the delay in the delivery of West Coast coal. The s.s. Kaimai and the a.s; Firi, which have been lying in the roadstead since Friday, also took advantage of abating seas, and effected a successful entry to the port. The s.s. Qmana, one of the largest ships to work Greymouth at the present time, has again been delayed from reaching the port and after sheltering at North Cape for a week, put into Nelson during the week-end for bunker coal and provisions. Advice received yesterday stated that she was expected at Westport last evening to again replenish her bunkers.

Attempts were made yesterday to sound the Grey bar, but rough seas hindered operations. Soundings taken, however, made it apparent that there has been considerable shoaling on the south side o- the river mouth, and a depth of 13 feet at low water was recorded. This gives a highwater depth at .the bar of 20 feet. Berthages have also showed signs of slight shoaling.