WAIKOKOPU PORT

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16534, 29 December 1927, Page 7

WAIKOKOPU PORT

THE PROPOSED BREAKWATER TO REPLACE THE TALUNE A further stage in the development of the port of Waikokopu has been initiated, with a call’ for tenders for constructing a breakwater to protect the wharf front the direct southerly seas. This structure will replace the hull of the old Talune, which was sunk about two years ago as a protection for the berthage. It will be remembered that when the Government purchased the Taluno and sunk her at Waikokopu a suggestion was made that the vessel would not. last long in the position assigned to her, owing to the fact that the stern portion of the hull was to bo suspended over deep water, while the forward half rested upon a reef of rock running out at right angles to the line of the wharf. The suggestion was greeted with derision in some quarters, hut it was justified some months ago, when the laluno broke up under a heavy battering from a southerly storm. The hull had served its purpose well for nearly two years, however, and probably those responsible for building the harbor and sinking the Talune felt that the temporary barrier thus raised against the seas justified its cost. Since the disappearance of the Talune, however, it lias become apparent that some permanent breakwater provision is necessary,' and tenders are now invited for building a rubble wall some live or six chains in length, on a broad base, and diminishing to a width of 14ft. at, the top. The new breakwater will occupy practically tho same position as the old Talune, and will impose a direct barrier to southerly seas. The form of construction will be similar 1o that planned by the Gisborne. Harbor Board for the protection of the berthage at Wlinveongaonga cove, tho outer face being formed of blocks of stone ranging in weight from 10 to 15 tons. The inner face will comprise stono blocks of from one to five tons, and the filling will consist of smaller nibble. The top of she wall will lie 6ft. above normal high water, and will he swept by seas in times of storm, but the mole should prove sufficiently substantial to break the full forco of the waves.