The Opunake Times. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1895. THE JETTY.

Opunake Times, Volume III, Issue 139, 1 November 1895, Page 2

The Opunake Times. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1895. THE JETTY.

A meeting of directors was held on Saturday last, when it was decided to call for tenders for the work. The apparent delay has been caused by waiting to procure the best advice and information as to the material to be used, and it is probable that it will be wood piles covered with prepared felt, and then sheathed with muntz metal. After full enquiry it has been found that wooden piles treated in this manner have been used in Wellington and other places, and have stood for the past thirty years, and are reported to be quite sound still.- We think the directors are wise to go slowly, as a repetition of the past experience must at all hazards, be avoided. Information was given that in the South Island there have been bridges built with iron piles, and it has therefore been decided to call for alternate tenders—wood or iron piles. Whilst having to admit that iron piles would be absolutely proof against the teredo , there is a wide difference of opinion regarding the length of time iron piles would resist the action of the salt water. Some contend that rust will affect them nearly as quick as the teredo does the wood. Apart from this we doubt if the cost would be found'any where near the funds at the disposal of the Company. Every mouth that the jetty remains incomplete the necessity for it is very much felt, as time after lime that the steamer has either had to pass or leave before her loading was complete, she would have been able to discharge and load with the greatest ease by means of the jetty. Now that large areas of land are being taken up in the immediate vicinity of the port its want will be acutely felt. Tenders will most likely be called within a few weeks, and we hope before the summer goes over that the work will be well in hand. Even on the present estimate there are not yet sufficient shares taken up to cover the cost, so that it is to bo hoped all those who have not yet given in their names will do so, so that as soon as tenders are in, the directors will he able to see their way to accept one and go on with the work at once.