HARBOR MATTERS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVI, Issue 263, 6 November 1912, Page 4

HARBOR MATTERS.

From the point of view of navigation, the Opawa River presents a considerably improved appearaac© as the result of the Harbor Board's firm policy in the matter of compelling riparian property-owners to clear away willow obstructions. /But, as was represented at the meeting of the Board on Monday night, the river has been silting up in the vicinity of the wharves to such an extent that the steamers are experiencing much difficulty in moving around, and but for the great depth of water at the bar, one steamer at least, would have missed several recent tides on account of this shallowness. With a view to deepening the river at this point and elsewhere, Captain. Eckford proposes that the Board purchase a sand pump, which, with installation, would cost about £1000. This important proposition will be considered at a special meeting to be held later in the month. In reply to a question put at Monday night's meeting, it was stated that the sand pump would also be capable of dredging the bar itself. It could lift pretty big boulders, and, as far as could be seen, there was-no-thing on. the Boulder Bank that it could not, deal with. The Board still contemplates undertaking the larger scheme of harbor improvements, consisting mainly of the erection of a'training.' wall across the estuary—and.;-will, in fact, discuss the question at the special meeting; but Captain Eckford considers that this cannot possibly be got under way for another year or so, and he suggests the sand-pump as a means of provjd-; ing for the necessary dredging in the meantime. The pump would still be an asset when the larger scheme.was in operation. From what was said on Monday night, it would appear that the Board anticipates getting a grant of £1500 or so from the Government for the big undertaking even if the amalgamation proposal should come to nothing. Apparently the position is that the Minister, has promised to recommend a subsidy if the Board does its part in putting the amalgamation principle to the test, and is prepared to put the money on the Estimates next year whether the overtures to the River Board bear fruit or not.