FIFTY YEARS’ OLD PILES.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 29, Issue 38, 18 May 1917, Page 4

FIFTY YEARS’ OLD PILES.

The publicity given to the w mderful slate of preservation of some of the piles of the old Havelock wharf has aroused interest in several quarter* throughout the Dominion. On Wednesday a visit of inspection was made to the old wharf site by Mr A. B. Wright (.Government district engineer), and an engineer sent over from the Mar’no Department, Wellington. These gentlemen, in company with Mr C. A’Court Opie (secretary of the Havelock Harbour Board), made a thorough inspection of the old piles, and were m rch impressed with the fact that many showed no signs of decay after nearly fifty years’ immersion in salt water. Sections of these sound piles were secured from both above and below the surface of the mud bottom. There is some doubt as to whether the specimens are maitai or a wood called “hinau.” The latter may be found in small quantities in the valleys of tho Uclorus, but, unfortunately, nowhere in New Zealand is it plentiful. The tree is said to grow up to about two feet in thickness, and is one of the most durable , woods in tho world. The sample shown to us appears to have a cross grain that does not exist in maitai, but the identity of tho timber will bo fully established by the further examination by the Marine Department.

There can be no doubt as to the ago of the piles, as the official records held by Mr W. H. Smith show that they were driven in 1868. It is interesting to note that a birch pile examined driven only fifteen years ago was found to be riddled with holes—the perforations running longitudinally with the grain of the wood. A section of the fifty years' old niaitai or ‘ ‘ hiuau ’ ’ pile is being'forwarded to. the directors of the Agricultural College, Christchurch, to the Marino Department, and to the Westport Harbour Board.