COLLAPSE OF WHARF

Taranaki Daily News, 18 April 1932, Page 10

COLLAPSE OF WHARF

WORKMEN ESCAPE INJURY. QUANTITY OF CARGO LOST. A remarkable escape from injury was experienced by a number of men who were working on the wharf at Maugonui, North Auckland, about mid-day on Wednesday when a portion of the flooring collapsed. One of the men, Mr. P. Hanlon, a member of the crew of the. Northern Company’s motor-vessel Waka, which was discharging general cargo at the wharf, was precipitated into the water with the wreckage and about 20 tons of cargo, but. was not struck by any of the falling beams, and swam ashore safely. A gang of men was engaged iu unloading the Waka, and placing the cargo in thd goods shed. Without warning one corner of the flooring, measuring about 25ft by 20ft, gave way, falling bodily into the water. The collapse was so sudden that Mr. Hanlon had no time to make his way to safety, but othej workmen were fortunately engaged a little distance away on the section of the flooring that remained iu position. The cargo which was on the broken portion consisted ■ principally of basic slag, cement, grass seed and flour. Most of it went straight to the bottom and will be ruined, but one or two small packages which were floating were later recovered by a boatman. It is expected that the loss will be considerable, while extensive repairs will be necessary to make the wharf safe.

Representations have been made to the Mangonui County Council several times, seeking to have the wharf repaired. Work had recently been done to the berthing area and the runway, which was strengthened considerably, but the remaining portion had not received attention.