HARBOUR BOARD WORK.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 2 June 1928, Page 6

HARBOUR BOARD WORK.

AT OPUNAKE. THE AIONTH’S OPERATIONS. There were present at the ordinary meeting of the Opunake Harbour Board, heldi after the annual meeting yesterday, Alessrs. T. P. Hughson (chairman), C. H. Hurst, C. A. Trotter, H. Young, J. Pettigrew, T. H. H. Sinclair, and R. C. Watson. WORKS OOAIAHTTEE. The works committee reported that the stone tipped during the month amounted to 1090 tons, the mole being now completed- to 600 feet. As the stone supply from Aliddleton’s Bay was now exhausted the stone work had been discontinued. The approach to the wharf and the inner end of the wharf has been widened so as to- allow room for a double line for trucks near the shed. The diver paid- a. visit and inspected the bottom near the* wharf at the berthing places, and gave advice regarding further action. Accordingly the five-ton crane had been moved on to the wharf, also the Hoard’s surf boat, which was found to be quite suitable for diving work. Immediately weather conditions were suitable that work would be proceeded with.

In regard to tbe disposal of the heavy timber (the lighter timber having been disposed of), it was decided to make inquiry re cost of suitable saw bench and also to get an estimate to be submitted to the- hoard-. Air. Ball, Public Works engineer, had been seen in connection with a grant from the Government for the removal of snags. After examination of chart soundings an an inspection of the situation, Air. Ball recommended the use of a drag and an orungle peel bucket. The committee authorised him to ascertain whether the hoard could hire that plant from the department. The necessary -application in connection with the grant had been made.

The goods shed was now completed, but the committee recommended- that spouting- and downpipe he put on each side. The flagpole had been shifted from the old site to the new one near All*. Bowman’s whare at- the l works, where it was being erected. The reoort was adonted. Some di-senssion took place- on the question of the disposal of the hoard’s stock of heavy timber. It was finally decided that- ATr R. C. Watson be added to the works committee, which will report fo the next meeting of the board regarding the feasibility of cutting tbe timber into sizes for which there would he a demand.

removal of rocks. The Ala line Department notified that, in response to the board’s application, the Government had decided to grant a sum not exceeding £3od towards the- cost of tbe removal of the rocks that were obstructing navigation t-o the wharf. Subject to the board’s proposals being satisfactory, authority would be issued to enable the board to do the work subject to the supervision of the district engineer. The board had submitted proposals of which the district engineer had approved. RESERVES COAfAIITTEE. T-he reserves committee (Alessrs J. A. Pettigrew, T. H. H. Sinclair and R. C. Watson) reported that it had made a tour of inspection of the board’s properties. All the sections were now leased, and only in one case was any rent overdue. Several leases expired on Af ay 31, 1929, -and the board would need to consider the term of le-a-se for the future. The sand drift on several sections should be- attended. to. Nothing could be -done in the summer time, but now that the wet weather had -set in steps should be- taken to cope with the trouble. The committee- recommended that tbe board should take such action as was necessary to enforce the clauses in the leases- regarding sand drift, and unless satisfaction is obtained immediately to use its- powers to have the work done. Such a course might mean expense, but it was felt that- the menace could not bo allowed to continue. Further, as- much of the sand was drifting from other property on to the board’s reserves, they recommended, that a deputation be appointed l to wait on the Opunake Town Board and discuss what measures could, be adopted to stop the serious destruction of public property. The report was adopted. In connection with the -sand drift, it was resolved that the reserves committee wait on the Town- Board and discuss the matter, with full power to act.

Regarding the leases that were falling in next year, the chairman considered that before fixing the term they should have the opinion of the reserves committee as to whether it would be desirable to out- some of them up into building sections. This was held over until a report had been received from tbe reserves committee.