PATEA HARBOR BOARD.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 407, 12 March 1879, Page 2

PATEA HARBOR BOARD.

The usual monthly meeting of the above Board was held on- Monday last. Present Messrs Sherwood (chairman), Southcombe, Gibson, Milroy, Adams,Balmforth, and Horn'er. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Proposed by Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr Southcombe, and carried, “That, on the certificate of the Engineer being handed in*, Mr Aitcbison, the contractor for the Light-house, be paid' for the work.” Proposed by Mr Horner, seconded by Mr Gibson, and carried, “ That the application of the Patea Steam Navigation Company for laud for purpose of coal depot be granted on such terms as may be agreed to between the Board and the said 1 Company.” The following petition, signed by 135 settlers, was presented to the Board : VVe,tlie undersigned settlers of the Patea and surrounding Districts,.request. the Patea Harbor Board, by. the powers in them vested,-to grant the Patea Boiling Down Company a right to erect a wharf and all necessary conveniences and appliances for shipping,-&c., at their works on the Patea River.”

Proposed by Mr Milroy, and seconded by Mr Sherwood, “ That, in reply to the public petition re wharf, Patea Boiling Down Company, the petitioners be informed that the Board have not the power to grant their request.” Proposed as an amendment by Mr Gibson, seconded by Mr Soutbcombe, that the following words be added to the resolution, “ But will endeavor to provide facilities for landing and shipping produce and stock, and submit plans lor the approval of the Govcrnor-in-Gouncili” .The amendment being- put,- was- lost on division. Ayes—Horner, Southcombe, Gibsom Noes—Milroy, Adams,Sherwood. The Chairman l gave his casting vote with the- noes, stating thatuutil Sir John- CoodeV report whs in the hands of the Board, it would be unadvisable to-give facilities for the erection of wharves, and was of opinion that the Board would cxcecd-its powers-by giving permission-to- any private company or person to erect such. Proposed by Mr Balm forth, seconded by Mr Milroy, and resolved, That convenient wharves-for shipping cattle and sheep be erected aS'SOoiT as 1 tile-Board fik l in a position to do so. Proposed by Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr Gibson, and carried, “ That application be made to the Government t'ohave the Pilot Reserve vested in the Board.” The following reports were read : Harbour Engineer’s Office, Patea, March, 1879.. Gentlemen, —lam glad to be able to leport that the recent improvements in the river bed appear to be of a permanent character. The channel has been very good for a considerable time, and goes seaward with a nice easy curve. The most important effect of this direct course and wide entrance, is the increased guantity of sea water that comes in on the flood, and the lowering of- the low water line about a foot, thus greatly increasing the scouring power of the river, and enabling it to preserve its comse. As the stonework at the cuter end of the work is now consolidated, we will lay about sixty feet of concrete on it, raising the work to its full height. This will enable us to go on with the stone work, and materially benefit the channel. The Hopper barge is finished and works very well. We have been unable to use her for a few days, on account of the fresh in the river. On Thursday we put a full load in her as a test,- and discharged it without difficult}'. The light-house will be finished about the end of this week. We will then require to give a month’s notice in the Gazette before lighting, it. I would strongly advise that the red shades should not be used, as the white light is very much better, and when the harbour works are finished we will require a red light on the pier head. The repairs of the wharf will soon be completed ; most of the rails are laid, so that it can- be used at any time. The certificate for payment is only for , £3OO. As the delay was not caused intentionally, I would advise the Board to make the payment, although it does not reach £SOO. I have the honor to be Gentlemen, Your obedient servant, ! John Thomson, Engineer to Board. Patea,-March 10. Gentlemen, —I have the honor to report that the bar and channel have been very good since the 12lh of last month—as on 1 this date the river forced a straight channel through the north spit.- Tliere is 6-feet of water on 1 bar, an average depth of 7 feet in channel, and 13 feet at end of breakwater,- at neap tides 10 jfeet on bar, an average depth of II feet in channel, and 17 feet at end of breakwater, at spring tides. Width from breakwater to northspit, 90 feet, with an easy turn at neap tides ; and 102 feet at spring tides. Twenty-three vessels crossed the bar last month—three out of this number at night time. Tonnage about 1,500. Some of the vessels were not only full up to the hatches, but carried large deck cargoes in and out. . . According, to- instructions, I handed hawser, coir line, two-anchors, and over to Mr Thomson, for the use of the hopper barge; and I would recommend that a coil of 4-inch coir line be supplied to me in place of the one handed to Mr Thomson, that being nearly worn out. I am, &c., • Alfred Wood, ■ Harbor Master, The meeting then adjourned.