PORT CHALMERS NEWS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21264, 19 February 1931, Page 5

PORT CHALMERS NEWS.

POST OFFICE FACILITIES. Complaints have frequently been made regarding the stamp-vending machine in the Post Office vestibule. In its present position the machine is not accessible on Sunday evenings. It is frequently at that particular time that the machine is most required. The residents would appreciate any improvement made by the Postal Department in this connection, and the only way such improvement can be made is to place the stamp machine outside the Post Office or make some provision for the door leading to the Post Office entrance to be left open on Sunday evenings. PERSONAL. Mr G. T. Asher is visiting Port Chalmers on holiday. He was the first' town clerk appointed by the Port Chalmers borough. On retiring a few years ago Mr Asher went to reside at Masterton. HARBOUR BOARD DREDGE 222. It is the opinion of many residents of Port Chalmers that the Harbour Board’s dredge 222 could be profitably utilised as a hopper barge in conjunction with the new dredge Otakou. The hoppers of dredge 222 are in good condition, but the dredge is not permitted by the Marine Department to go outside the Heads. It is contended that if the buckets and ladder Avere discarded, then the Marine Department might waive its objection. Loads of stone Avhich cannot be deposited in the Vulcan’s pit could then be carried to sea. It is thought that if the dredge’s hull and motive poAver were approved by the Government inspector, she could be used in the harbour. The opinion appears to be that if this was done it would make a material difference in the Otakou’s output, as dredge 222 could easily take two loads daily to sea. These loads, according to reports, would total 1700 cubic yards of spoil. It was pointed out that by using dredge 222 it Avould not be necessary for the Otakou to leave her moorings so frequently, and that the expense of running the old dredge would not be very great. RABBITING AT LOWER HARBOUR. Tavo Avell-knoAvn Port Chalmers residents have been in the habit of spending Saturday afternoon and Sunday in rabbiting Avith ferrets on the hills in the LoAver Harbour district. They travel by horse and cart to the Heads, Avhence they carry out their operations. Rabbits are very plentiful in and around Aramoana, and the tAAm men referred to frequently secure from 60 to 70 at the Aveekierid. ; V; 1