MODERN WHARVES

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 12, 5 April 1927, Page 13

MODERN WHARVES

FIVE NEW STRUCTURES WORK IN THE NORTH (From Our Own Correspondent.) RUSSELL, Monday. Rapid progress is being made with the new wharf at Russell and the middle of May should see this historic town in possession of an up-to-date concrete wharf, which when finished will compare favourably with the larger wharves in other centres of the Dominion. The wharf is 160 ft long by 50ft wide, the longest concrete pile being 70ft., making it possible for large steamers to berth alongside. The wooden approach to the wharf is 220 ft long by 10ft in width. There is special provision made for the berthing of launches. The concrete wharf is protected with turpentine piles as spring fenders. Mr. Basil V. Rope, the contractor, has a special gang of men busily engaged completing the deck. The wharf shed together with office accommodation will occupy space 68ft by 24ft. The finished work of the wharf reflects great credit upon the contractor.

With the new wharves built at Keri Keria, Paihia, and Otehei, the Bay of Islands possesses no fewer than five modern wharves. The big wharf at Opua (the railway terminus) is used by large ocean liners which call at that port for shipments for overseas ports. Opua is also a coaling port for vessels trading around the coast of New Zealand. The new wharf at Paihia is 330 ft long, and is a credit to the district. The longest wharf is situated at Otehei Bay and is 3Goft in length. This wharf has been erected for the benefit of deep-sea anglers and is a great boon for the many fishermen who visit Cape Brett and the surrounding waters. During the last twelve months the contractor had to content with two strikes. The coal strike in England interfered with the delivery of shipments of steel, and the strike in Australia delayed delivery of hardwoods, but in spite of these setbacks the work in hand will be completed up to time.