WAIRAU HARBOR BOARD

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVIII, Issue 285, 8 December 1914, Page 7

WAIRAU HARBOR BOARD

The monthly meeting of the Wairau Harbor Board was held last night. There were present: Messrs L. Griffiths (chairman), T., Pike, A. C Eckford, ,A. W. Jackson, G. Patchett, W. Gamble, E. J. Haivey, sj. Homes,, and J- 3. Con-y.

HARBORMASTER'S REPORT.

The harbormaster (Captain H.

JPisk) reported that from the -Ist to the 24th the bar shallowed. On the 25thHhe soundings gave 7 feet; on the 26th, 6ft. 6in. On the 27th a shingle bank formed a«rbss the mouth of the river. The s.s. Blenheim took the bar and grounded, but got out all right. The s.s. Waiiku mad© the attempt and grounded, remaining there during that tide. A new channel opened out to the north-west in the afternoon. H.& beaconed it, and the Wairau went out on 7 feet of water. On the following morning the soundings showed 6ft. "4in. in this channel. He informed by telea?'am , all masters and owners that the conditions were as now reported. On the following day the s.s. Wairau went out, and the s.s. Blenheim came in, both dragging the, ground all the way. On the 2nd of December the s.s. Opawa, in attempting to cross in, grounded owing to there not being sufficient water. She. stuck fast till the evening of the 3rd, and then got off. On November Bth he received orders from the district resident engineer to take up the canvas attached to the retaining wall and put it further along the wall. , On the 9th he-^ had new beacons made, as he required thorn for the other side of the river. From tRe 10th to the 30th the new cut at the bar improved, to the extent of two feet in width. The contractors .would ■complete the work- of erecting the •retaining wail; in a few days. The maximum depthl of. water oh the bar was 9 feet and the minimum 6ft. .4in. There were- 26 arrivals and 29 departures during the month.

RESIGNATION.

Captain H. .Fisk wrote tendering 'his resignation as pilot and harbormaster.

The resignation was accepted with ivegret, and Captain Fisk was granted leave of absence for three months on full pay. It was arranged to advertise 'locally and elsewhere for app !l>ations fox the position, with a < ;I."vy -of £150 a year, free house ami the use of 40 acres of lamd.

GENERAL

It was resolved to procure a large ranchor and chain for the hauling of vessels at the bar.

A qiiantity of business was transacted in connection with the acquisition of the river wharves from the private owners'. It was decided to take .proceedings .against a launch-owner for the recovery of the license fees for two ■venrs.

The plans providing for the extension of the retaining wall were received back from the Government with the departmental approval. It was decided to give forma! notice to .Messrs Barton Brothers, the contractors, to proceed with, the work of erecting the extension. Accounts amounting to £25 1/s 10d were passed, for payment.