OPUNAKE HARBOUR BOARD

Taranaki Daily News, 6 July 1929, Page 14

OPUNAKE HARBOUR BOARD

REVIEW OF MONTH’S ACTIVITIES.

The meeting of the Opunake Harbour Board was held yesterday, when there were present: Alessrs. T. I’. Hughson J. A. Pettigrew, C. A. Trotter, 11. Young, T. H. 11. Sinclair ami J. S. Tosland. The harbourmaster (Air. A. G. Hardy) reported for the month of June: — Boisterous weather prevailed throughout the month which terminated with a succession of westerly gales, and although the mole was subjected to a very severe pounding during the rough weather, it suffered no damage: not one stone was moved out of place. The port was workable on the 12th, 13th, 14th and 16th, and from the 20th to the 30th inclusive.

The Arapawa berthed alongside the wharf on the 6th and discharged cargo. Tire vessel came alongside again on the loth, but owing to the swell she was unable to make fast and proceeded out without discharging. She arrived off the port on the 16th, 23rd and 25th, hut was unable to come alongside on account of excess-re range.

During the month the foreman, with one employee, fenced in the sand dunes at the works site and planted some sand orass. The foreman emptied the boilers of all the machines and greased the machinery. Unfortunately the salt spray that was carried inshore with the gale has covered most of the machinery and has penetrated through the grease. To save considerable damage it will be necessary to spend a considerable amount of money to properly house all machinery and grease it. All steel work requires painting to prevent corrosion. Owing to lack of funds, and carrying out instructions, the foreman was paid off on the 29th.

Soundings were obtained on the 15th and the depths were the same as the previous month, with'the exception of the area abreast the end of the wharf on the eastern side, which is increasing.

It was resolved that the works committee co-operate with the harbourmaster and bring down a report at the next meeting as to the condition of the plant, in the meantime taking any steps necessary to preserve it. The report was adopted.