NEW PLYMOUTH BREAKWATER.

Patea Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 83, 12 July 1895, Page 2

NEW PLYMOUTH BREAKWATER.

AWKWARD APPEARANCES. The following extract from the Taranaki News’ report of the proceedings of the New Plymouth Harbour Board suggests a somewhat awkward situation:— At Tuesday’s meeting of the New Plymouth Harbour Board, The Chairman stated that on his return he noticed that much damage had been done to the breakAvafer, and that the st mctiire was in a, very Dad state indeed. In company with the foreman he made a careful examination and found that some of the blocks were sound, but others wore very much shaken and undermined, and some were missing. The outer end was iu an especially critical condition. The old breach, which wa/nearly repaired, had- been re-opened and widened, the breach noAV being the largest that has ever been in the structure. It Avould take something like £BOOO to do all the repairs. Mr Ward thought the chairman had exaggerated the damage. The Chairman, continuing, said he in company with Mr Smith interviewed the Premier, and put the matter very plainly to him, but Mr Seddon positively declined to grant any assistance. The position Avas cerlainly a most serious one. Mr Smith mentioned that the Colonial Treasurer Avas in town, and it might be arranged that he should see the breakwater. v He intended ou his return to Wellington to ask the Premier to send an Engineer up to inspect the structure. The position was undoubtedly a serious one, and some means would have to be devised to raise funds at once. The Chairman stated that the board was not in a position to carry out the repairs, and unless the Government granted the assistance, or settlers would agree to an extra rate for the purpose, be failed to see what Avas to be done. It had been suggested that the gaps should be filled up with rubble, and he thought it would be a good idea.