PORT OF WAIKOKOPU.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19832, 30 December 1927, Page 10

PORT OF WAIKOKOPU.

MOLE TO BE CONSTRUCTED. REPLACING HULL OF TALUNE. fr.V TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT, j GISBORNE, Thursday. A further stage in the development of the port of Waikokopu has been initiated with a call for tenders for constructing a breakwater to protect the wharf from the direct southerly seas. This structure will replace the hull of the old Talune, which was sunk about two years ago as a protection.

When the Government purchased the Talune and sunk her at Waikokopu, a suggestion was made that the vessel would not last long in the position assigned to her, owing to the fact that the stern portion of the hull was to bo suspended over deep water, while the forward halt' rested upon a reef of rock running out at right angles to the lino of the wharf. The suggestion was justified some months ago when the Talune broke up under a heavy battering from a southerly storm. The hull had served its purpose well tor two years, however, and probably those responsible for building the harbour and sinking the Talune felt that the temporary barrier thus raised against the seas justified its cost. Since the disappearance of the Talune, it has become apparent that some permanent breakwater provision is necessary, and tenders are now invited for building a rubble wall, about five or sixchains in length, on a broad base, and diminishing to a width of 14ft. at the top. The new breakwater will occupy practically the same position as the old Talune, and will impose a direct barrier to southerly, seas. The form of construction will be similar to that planned by the Gisborne Harbour Board for the protection of the berthage at Whareongaonga Cove, the outer face will be formed of blocks of stone ranging in weight from 10 to 15 tons, the inner face will comprise stone blocks of from one to five tons, and the filling will consist of smaller rubble. The top of the wall will be 6ft. alcove normal high water, and will be swept by seas in times of storm, but the mole should prove sufficiently substantial to break the full force of the waves.