East Coast Progress

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XII, Issue 91, 27 March 1922, Page 3

East Coast Progress

Important Public Works

WAIKOKOPU ANO WAIKARE MOANA.

PROG RESSI VE WAIROA

HAWKE'S BAY REI’RESENTA-

FIVES’ VISIT

Following arrangements made by the Aapier Harbour Board, aud by the

courtesy of Richardson and Co., 2 party comprising members of the Na pier Radbour Board, and representatives of other J<;cal bodies, left Napiei at midnight on Friday by the Tangaror and visited Waikaremoaua and the new harbour works at Waikokopu, and W ai roa, returning to Napier by tin Tangaroa last evening. The trip was

works at Waikokopu and the new railway works between Wairoa and the Port attracting considerable interest. The party was met at Waikokopu by ! Mr. Mayo, chairman of the Wairoa Harbour Board, and other members of the board and shown round. The Wairoa board representatives and private citizens associated with them certainly put themselves out to prove hospitable and show 'all that would be worth the while of the visitors’ seeing. MAUSERS GF THE PARTY. The party on leaving Napier was as fc-iuws: Messrs a. 11. j ml, j. T. Blake, B. B. Croagli, \v. .J. McGrath, K. AlcBeay, J. a. Millar and J. r. Kenny (Aapier Harbour Board); J. B. Andrew (Mayor of Napier, representing eno Borough Council); R. Al. Chadwick (Nap.er Chamber or Commerce); W. C. Whitiock (Hastings Chamber of Commerce); F. W. Williams, E. A. Williams and J. W. Cargill; W. Rose (Customs Collector), and J. O’Neill (H.B. Rivers Board), 'Lie party were the guests of Messrs Richardson and Co. until they landed at Waikokopu. ARRIVAL AT WAIKOKOPU. The trip was made in some 'ix hours and the vessel anchored near the entrance to the harbour and awaited the arrival of the Wairoa members, who had breakfast on board. The parties then landed at the harbour works. 'They were welcomed by Mr. Mayo, to whom Messrs J nil and Andrew briefly replied.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS. The new harbour situation is not generally realised by Hawke’s Bay residents. Many will know tho Opoutama block, which from Napier appears to be a break in the land between the mainland and the outer hills of the peninsular. This is really a low-lying area about half a mile wide at the narrowest part. The new harbour is situated at the southern end of this neck and lies east and west. It is bounded, on three sides, north, west and south by hills ranging from 137 to 350 feet in height. The scene that greeted the visitors was barely up to expectations. Low tide was ruling. The Tangaroa an-

chored off a boulder bank formation, which appeared like a mole. Over this could be seen a comparatively small basin, about three to four acres in extent which at the time contained mud and very little water except at the entrance end where a grab dredge was working. Large boulders were hampering the operations and the grab frequently brought up one of these at a time without anything else. The entrance to the proposed harbour was a narrow one, almost blocked with piles of loose boulders which did not, however, appear above the surface, and right against a cliff some sixty feet in height. Work has now been proceeding for some two years on the harbour and has mostly been confined to horse and scoop work clearing out the basin in readiness for a dredge. A small creek of no importance as a help or hindrance from an engineering point of view enters the basin at the western end.

THE HARBOUR ENGINEER EXPLAINS.

The party commenced to see some reason for the selection of the area as a harbour site when the engineer at present in charge (Mr. A. Slinger) explained the whole proposition, tie said a careful investigation had been made. What they had to work on was a silted up estuary, the cause being erosion of the hill at the south, liie macerial to lie removed comprised silt and boulders. At one time the estuary must have been of considerable depth. Experiments had shown that there was not a sound bottom at 2/ feet, the whole basin being filled with loose silt, 'this would ultimately be dredged and scoureu out to give a harbour approximately 4oU feet wide 13U0 to 14UU feet lung, capable of taking all the shipping mat would be required in the meannme. The dredging would be carried out by means or a bucket dredge which would be required to cue its way m from slightly outside the actual entrance where the low water depth was given by the surveyors as nine, feet. It was believed that if the opening was made the tide would soon carry away the silt in the harbour basin to the low water depth at present required, eight feet. The cove was so situated that it had a natural breakwater and breakwind, and ail important feature of the harbour was that it would enter immediately into deep water, so that no channel maintenance would be required, rhe -average tidal rise wks seven feet five inches, and this would enter and leave quickly when the end of the mole-like formation was. .cut off, making an entrance about 100 or more feet wide. Tho wharf would be built on the northern side against the cliff, and the railway from jVairoa would run on to it. Two hundred yards from the entrance there was a depth of 20 to 29 feet which rapidly became deeper in the big bar stretching to Long Point on the south of Mahia Peninsula. Later a mole would be built out from the bluff on the southern side of the basin and they would be able to accommodate the larger vessels. THE RAILWAY. ■After thoroughly inspecting the site the partv left lor Wairoa. In connection with Waikokopu harbour it is reported that there is a possibility of the Government taking over the construction as there is at present every probability of the railway works being completed before the harbour. FORMATION NEARING COMPLETION. As the party journeyed towards Wairoa huge stacks of rails and sleepers were seen all ready for plate-laying to commence, ft was obvious as the party passed along that the formation work on the railway was nearing completion. \ e rv little remains to be c .done on this section, so far the fastest piece of railwav construction that the present generation has seen done. There appeared to be a fairly definite feeling m Wairoa that the intension of the Government was to alter the plans of the Napier-Gisborne railway and run the line at the Gisborne end towards Waikokopu. with a view to later making this section of some twenty-five miles portion of the main line, saving the expense of practically duplicating the line further inland.

MORERE HOT SPRINGS VISITED.

Eu route to Wairoa the party made a detour to Morere where they enjoyed a walk through the beautiful native bush, and a bathe in mineral springs.

VISITORS WELCOMED AT WAIROA. Wairoa was reached in time for lunch, and the tourists were made thoroughly comfortable at the Clyde Hotel. In the afternoon the visitors managed to produce a couple of teams of bowlers, and several friendly matches were played on the Wairoa Club’s bowling greens. Wairoa won one match and the visitors the other, but the visitors were ahead ou the totals and also won the “dope-head.”

THE RIVER HARBOUR. The non-bowlers, some of whom were strangers to Wairoa, spent the afternoon with other of their hosts, and visited the wharves, heads, iieezing works, etc. The heads were of particular interest, and presented a somewhat disheartening spectacle of neglected works, representing about £87,000 on the altered and unfinished works of Mr. Reynolds’ scheme. In Wairoa the chief theme was the Wairoa versus Waikokopu parties’ divergencies, and the prospective linking up of Waikaremoaua electricity to Wairoa. This latter is expected to take jilace about August. The Premier has promised to again visit Wairoa when the linking up ceremony eventuates.

SMOKE CONCERT.

In the evening the party was en tertained at a smoke concert by the Mayor (Mr. J. Corkill) and councillors of Wairoa. There was an attendance of about 35, including Wairoa publicbody representatives. The toast ‘-The King” was honoured first.

Proposing the toast to the visitors the Mayor said they were pleased to Know that they were attracting attention from other neighbourhoods. They had been blowing hard for some years and had at last attracted attention. He felt sure there was something behind the purpose of their guests’ visit to Wairoa and he hoped that during the evening they would let the cat out of the bag. He hoped the visit would be pleasant for the visitors. These sort of visits could only do good. He expressed his pleasure at meeting Mr. Andrew and congratulated him on his position. The toast uas coupled with the names of Messrs J nil, McGrath. Millar and Andrew.

Mr. J. B. Andrew, in reply, expressed pleasure at being able to visit Wairoa. His Worship nad said that they were only over the fence and he (the speaker) was sure they often played in each other’s back >ards. To iii» mind the progress of Wairoa hau be<ni marked. They had passed through trying times but they had come through and had every ground for optimism.

Mr. A. E. Jull, on behalf of the board, thanked the Wairoa representatives for their cordial welcome in spite of the suspicion of the Mayor that there were ulterior motives. He explained that the trip had grown from a suggestion to air a new launch owned by the board. However, they had since gained a new member, who apparently felt that his position as manager of a large shipping company would not bo sufficiently maintained in dignity if he arrived under such ignominious conditions as were suggested, and the result was that the trip was made largely owing to the courtesy of Richardson and Co. They had spent a glorious day, thanks to the welcome of the Wairoa residents. He referred to the increased knowledge which they had gained by their visits to Waikokopu and Morere. They had known them as genial and kindly hosts, but there was every prospect of knowing them in the future as very serious rivals of the Port of Napier. He thanked the Mayor and providing such a congenial atmosphere in which to entertain them after six p.m. (laughter). Mr. W. J. McGrath, in teply, eulogised AVairoa and district, and the hospitable manner in which they received their guests, and acted as spurts in all ways.

Mr. J. A. Miller said he was 40 years ago impressed with Waikokopu harbour prospects and he was more impressed now. He continued by striking an optimistic note on the matter of finance. He said it would be news to them that the Gear Meat Co. was giving 4|d per pound for wethers and 3|d lor ewes. Lambs had to go up in price as no other country could produce such good lambs, lie predicted that twelve months would see a surprising rise in the price of wool. He specially thanked those who had provided motor cars which had enabled them to cover so much ground and get such a thorough knowledge of the progress, prospects and hopes of the district.

“Trade and Commerce” was proposed by Mr. A. E. Currie, who said they were trying in their spare time to put Wairoa on the map. The life blood oi commerce was communication. Even as far as three years ago the roads hau been impassable both They hoped to get a more regular shippnig communication even if it was not so expeditious or convenient as it might be. He hoped Wairoa’s progress would be an the same lines as had been that of several main trunk towns wjien they got communication. Replying, Mr. I<. M. Chadwick congratulated the mover ou his description of the basis of commerce. One oi tne essentials oi commerce was the cheap power and he hoped Wairoa, which expected their power from WaiKaremoana in three months would give liawke s Bay a helping hand. All their communications were being held up on tiie score of finance, inough tue Government had been endeavouring to get the roads liirance by the tyie Lax? Be advocated that private einerprise should be allowed to improve the position. He knew that an English firm was prepared to come in ana complete W aiKaremoana and Awapuni m lwo or three years, provided they were granted powers lor 20 or 2d years. The Government could protect themselves and the people by retaining the water rights and fixing a maximum rate.

Air. W. C. Whitlock said his first visit to Wairoa had surprised him. There were other things besides communication as a basis or commerce and Wairoa was about to secure a tremendous advantage in one other direction, that of hydro power. He mentioned the great advantages that had accrued to Toronto (Canada) from the supply of power. The town was advertised as one where production was cheap, both because of the cheap power and good facilities. Wairoa would gain a tremendous impetus if the thing was properly handled. He also mentioned that they should keep their eye on aviation. The? “Tribune” had attempted to arrange a commercial-defence service to Wairoa and had secured the support of the Departmental officers. The “Tribune” had intended a large subsidy. The scheme went well until they met Air. Alassey, who said “no finances.” Air. K. McLeay also replied and wished AVairoa some success in whatever harbour a they had decided on. One matter fliat concerned them all vitally was shipping and - freights. There had been one reduction and he hoped there would be another. They hoped to he able to reduce freights to assist the Wairoa district producers. Wairoa had created two records in the past two weeks, one in the export or wool, and another in the import of coal. He extended his thanks for the very hospitable treatment accorded the'party and hoped a return visit would lie made. Other toasts honoured were: “The Pastoral Pursuits of Wairoa and District,’’ proposed by Mr. B. B. Creagh and associated with the names of Messrs C. P. Brandon, J. T. Blake, F. Vaughan and T. Davey. Mr. Cmagli congratulated Wairoa on deciding on the Waikokopu scheme and expressed his opinion that the harbour would he a great success. “Local Bodies,” proposed by Mr. E.

and replied to by Alessrs J. P. Kenny, J. Macdonald, *H. G. Gibson; “Tiie Press,” proposed by Air. T. Brown and replied to by Alessrs E. C. Robieson and T. Lambert. Air. J. B. Andrew expressed the visitors’ appreciation of the great hospitality extended by Air. J. Mayo, chairman of the Wairoa Harbour Board. Mr Corkill spoke appreciatively of the services rendered by Richardson and Co., especially by Messrs AlcLeay (Napier) and Byford (Wairoa) to Wairoa. the facilities were in the most satisfactory position they could expect. Messrs McLeay and Byford returned thanks. Musical and vocal items were contributed by the following:—Songs: W. Adsett, G. Fletcher and A. H. Deighton; recitations: Messrs R. Frizelle and Crichley. VISIT TO WAIKAREMOANA. QUEEN OF INLAND SEAS. NATURE’S WORK DIVERTED TO MAN’S USE. Arrangements were made by "Wairoa entertainers for the party to leave on Sunday morning. Departure was taken at j a.m. and a three-hour run saw the party assembled at Waikaremoaua. The members, many ut whom made the trip the first time, were greatly/ impressed with the wondrous beauty of the scenery, the inagnificance of the great inland sea, and the awlul grandeur of its encircling hills. Oil the way out the party passed motor lorries conveying great pipes to the worKs tins worn being necessary whenever the road conditions permit. All the poles to connect up airoa are either hi position or waiting to be placed m the ground. The last road oi pipes was aenvered at the head works yesterday, and tho work oi laying them in the inile-long pipe trench irom the intake to tiie power-house is to be commenced this week.

The road to the lake is in fine condition lor some 22 miles, bin whilst traversing the remaining distance to the lake over clay roads, every joint in cars, and their occupants alike, reaked. Breakfast was provided at the Lake Hotel and the party immediately set out on the return trip, stopping en route to visit the outlet, the natural lake at the intake, the site of the power-station. The immense volume of water passing over the rapids was impressive from both utility and scenic points of view. So far the work has progressed very rapidly. The party then returned to Wairoa where, after lunch, those who had not seen the Wairoa heads paid a visit of inspection. THE RETURN. On the previous arrangements the party was to be picked up by the Tangaroa at Wairoa on Sunday afternoon, the Tangaroa got as far as the Wairoa entrance, but a heavy ground swell had overnight closed the bar and the party had perforce to journey to Waikokopu to board the vessel. Naturally the supporters of the Waikokopu scheme smiled beamingly and those who hung to the old Wairoa scheme had but little to say on the subject. After a rushed but thoroughly enjoyable two days the party reached Napier again shortly after midnight.