NELSON HARBOUR.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14503, 21 April 1909, Page 2

NELSON HARBOUR.

A NEW ERA.

•NOTABLE ENGINEERING SCHEME,

(Per Usiieb Press Association.)

NELSON, April 19. The steamer Rakaia. was the iirst ocean liner to enter the harbour, thus opening Nelson to direct trade with the groat markets of tho world. She entered the new cut on this morning's tide safely and successfully, and was skilfully berthed at the wharf by Captain Collins, the pilot. Tliero was a great crowd at tho wiiarf and on the surrounding hills, cheers being given by the public. The officers will bs entertained by 'tho Chamber of Commerce this afternoon, when the captain will receive a souvenir presentation.

The Eaku.ia, takes 14.000 sheep from the local meat works. The vessel is Hying bunting in honour of the occasion.

Tho new entrance to Nelson Harbour, which ban been brought to a successful issue, as demonstrated by the fact that tho Rakaia, has called at the port, was designed by Mr Leslie H. Keynolds, whose scheme, which advised cutting through tho Boulder Bank, was considered a bold move at tho time it was announced. The old entrancs could be worked only at high tide, and then with difficulty by vessels drawing from 10ft to 12ft of water; whereas the new cut will enable vessels with a draught of from 20ft to 22ft to enter at high tide, consequently the smaller boats which, under the old state of affairs, required to wait for high water or the approach thereto, can enter at any state of the tide now; the depth in the new cut at low water being 15ft. When tho old channel was in use many hours were wasted through vessels having to lie in tho oflinj; f or the pilot signal to enter, much to the annoyance of shipowners and passengers; but this grievance is now practically a thing of the past. When the works are completed no dredging will be required in maintaining the above depth of water, which, if the future warrants it, may be increased by another sft. This, however, may entail the partial closing of the old entrance.