TIMBER MOVE

Hokitika Guardian, 14 January 1935, Page 6

TIMBER MOVE

BIG WANGANUI RIVER AREA

DEVELOI’MENT SCHEM E

The movement to operate a large tn»b«r dovetopimput scheme! at thf* mouth of the Big Wanganui river, Soutii (Vestland is taking shape delmitely. The K.D.V. Coy., of Auckland and others, are interested in the proposition. Since Christmas a small boat visited tne river entrance, and took soundings Loth outside and inside, with t,be result that the possibilities of shipment by sea are conisdered most favourable.

The outlet of the liver is considered a stable otic, due to the rocks guarding the entrance, while deep water was found to extend for some distance in the river channel. A provisional site was selected >n s considered suitable tor loading skids, and the question of installing a plant at an early date is now in hand. It is hoped to send the first shipment down in April at tjve latest. In former times boats have entered the river mouth for timber. When the Hokitika river training wall was under construction first, the s.s. (Vaipara towed up pontoons of piles. The stand of- timber, which is a State Forest v-jron,, is of considerable extent, and is of good class, and said to be highly suitable for the Auckland requirements. Land access would be required for the milling settltment which will.be established, and an extension of La Fontaine road from the Hariharl settlement will be necessary. The road at present ends about miles from the river mouth the section to Ife 'Constructed being over level ground, but timbered heavily. On the recent inspection these c-on-cerrGd bad both engineering and marine advice as to the suitability of the location for shipping purposes, and it is understood the conclusions were considered quite favourable. Tf a port is established, no doubt other shipping will lie possible, and going some way to relieve the increasing road transport to Ross rail head.