FERRY WHARVES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19957, 28 May 1928, Page 10

FERRY WHARVES.

DEVONPORT FINISHED SOON. MECHANICS* BAY TERMINAL. WORK TO COMMENCE TO-DAY. A complaint that at high tides during stormy weather spray breaks over the new wharf at Devonport to the discomfort of ferry passengers was made the subject of comment yesterday by Mr. D. Holderness, engineer to the Auckland Harbour Board. "When it is remembered that tho new wharf is slightly higher than the old one, and that it is tho same distance above tide-level as the other ferry wharves, it is difficult to understand the compliant," Mr. Holderness said. "The present is not spring-tide time, when the abnormal circumstances of an easterly galo and a high tide level might bo expected to raise waves which would splash the deck of the wharf. One hositates to doubt the veracity of the complainant, but one remembers that when a similar statement was mado some weeks ago the weather was fairly calm, the tides were low, and tho board's workmen on tho wharf were unable to support the complaint. "It must not bo forgotten that tho wharf now beicg used at Devonport for passengor traffic is the cargo wharf," Mr. Holderness added. "Tho construction of tho new passenger wharf is proceeding apaco, and had it not been for a delay of four months in the delivery of essential material, it would have been completed some time ago. However, the improved facilities should be available in about six weeks, and ferry passengers will embark and disembark under cover, tho wharf shelter extending from the steamer-berths to tho road." Mr. Holderness also mentioned that a start would bo mado to-day with the construction of the new vehicular ferry wharf at Mechanics' Bay, tho first work to be undertaken being tho driving of the piles for the abutment. Practically all the machinery and equipment was on order, and it was his intention to push tho work forward in an endeavour to have it completed for the vehicular traffic at Christmas.