HARBOUR DREDGING.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 November 1932, Page 6

HARBOUR DREDGING.

The decision of the New Plymouth Harbour Board to send the dredge Paritutu to Wellington to enable a thorough examination of the hull to be made revives the frequently recurring problem of harbour dredging. It is encouraging to know that whatever differences of opinion there may be amongst members of the board regarding the facilities to be provided for shipping and handling cargo there is a unanimous determination to at least maintain the harbour in its present state of efficiency by having frequent soundings taken and the existing depth of water and swinging room preserved at all costs. The early development of the port was a succession, of immense obstacles and bitter disappointments, but continued faith in the possibilities of the harbour has triumphed, and to-day New Plymouth occupies the proud position of being the fifth port in the Dominion and the only reliable deep-sea port on the west coast. By patiently building out the breakwater and assiduously increasing the depth of the harbour year by year the hoard has 'won the support and confidence of the shipping companies. That

confidence is precious beyond measure, and there is only one way to keep it—to ensure that the natural sand drift along the coast from the south is never allowed to encroach upon the area that has already been dredged. With the Paritutu showing signs of age the board is faced with several alternatives for carrying on with the dredging. The recommissioning of the Paritutu at fairly considerable expense, the hiring annually or bi-ennially of a dredge such as the Wanganui board’s Kione, or the purchase of a new vessel have all been suggested and thoroughly discussed. It is essentially a .problem of pounds, shillings and pence,, and the calling of tenders for refitting the Paritutu will provide the logical basis on which to work. Until facts and figures such as these are definitely known it is impossible to say which is the best course to take. In the meantime it is re-assuring to know that the board realises the vital importance of maintaining and later on increasing the harbour depth, and is leaving no stone unturned in its search for the wisest means of carrying its dredging policy into effect.