OPUNAKE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 7 August 1924, Page 7

OPUNAKE.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) HARBOUR BOARD. The monthly meeting of the Opunake Harbour Board was held on Friday. Present: Messrs T P. Hughson (chair-: man), A. H. Moore, C. A. Trotter, R. ! Ferguson, and H. Young. The chairman reported that the Reserves Committee had considered the request of Mr. De‘ Castro for a concession in rent for the reserve, on which the board had erected buildings, roadway, etc. The committee recommended that an annual rebate of £3 12s be allowed from June 1 to end of lease, which expires in 1929. —The chairman proposed that the report be adopted, and this was seconded by Mr. Trotter. —Mr. Moore moved an amendment that a concession of £-5 be allowed for the current year, and that the matter be reviewed next year.— The niotion was carried. On the motion of Mr. Moore, seconded by the .chairman, it was resolved to erect a fence along the cliff where excavation is being made. 1 The engineeivreported that the staging was completed to the fifth pier by the middle of the month. This completed the inshore portion, in which I:2ft. Gin. spans were used. With the exception of the piles and one stringer, the timber used was taken from the old wharf, and this had effected a considerable saving in cost. Preparations were being made for commencement of erection of piers on the 25ft. spans. Travelling gear for the derrick, a tramway for conveying timbers, locomotive and 5-ton crane from the yard to the job were under construction. A more satisfactory (steel) pile shoe was now being used, and it was hoped to use the wrought iron shoes on hand when the work further progressed. Towards the end of the month boulder hauling was recommenced, and further progress had been made with the earthwork at times when the staff were not able, on account of the tides, to work on the boulders, etc. The first consignment of piles had come to hand, and advice had been received that the balance of the hardwood on order was expected to arrive about the middle of August. The engineer remembered that a further 30 piles be ordered at once; that steps be taken for making a new cartage contract, the present one expiring on October 15; that the necessary plant be put in for the surfacing, cutting, and boring of timber used in the staging, such plant to be worked by electric motors, and that eight sets of truck wheels be procured. He reported that labourer W. Kennard had fallen and broken a rib on the 23rd ult.. while engaged on the works. O. Wesley had been employed as staging foreman. The staff now consisted of two foremen, one chainman, and fourteen labourers. It was resolved to give effect to the recommendations contained in the engineer’s report.