PURCHASE OF NEW DREDGE

Taranaki Daily News, 21 July 1933, Page 3

PURCHASE OF NEW DREDGE

REPORT BEFORE HARBOUR BOARD. SPECIAL MEETING TO BE CALLED. A report on the question of the purchase of a new dredge for the port of New Plymouth was before the New Ply- ‘ mouth Harbour Board yesterday, and after a discussion in committee it was decided to hold a special meeting on August 3 to consider all matters in connection with the board’s dredging policy. Those present were Messrs C. E. Bellringer (chairman), E. Maxwell, J. R. Criiickshank, D. J. Malone, H. C. Taylor, C. H. Burgess, J. H. H. Holm, W. T. Wells and J. L. Campbell. The foreman (Mr. J. Hawes) reported that .overhaul and maintenance work was carried out to both the Moturoa and Newton King wharves. During the month four coastal and four overseas vessels .made use of the crane, working 1844 hours exclusive of standing time. The driver was occupied painting the crane when not working cargo. The small portion of capping washed away from the . breakwater during the storms on April 23 was repaired. The entire structure was in good condition. The workshops were employed on maintenance, making metal and iron bolts for wharves, and installing morse signal lights oh Newton King wharf. The pilot launch was taken from the water, and put through annual overhaul and Government inspection. • Repairs were carried out to the tail shaft, tailgland, rudder shoe and rudder stern. Two men’ were constantly.on chipping, tarring and painting the dredge. The engines wgre given the necessary attention. ■ The repairs to the suction pipe were well in hand. The pipes for relaying water main on Newton King wharf were to hand and the work would be proceeded with pt once. An increase in the total trade of the port during the month of June was reported by the harbourmaster (Captain O. F. Mclntyre). Thirty-two vessels of an aggregate tonnage of 68,343 tons entered the port compared with 21 vessels of an aggregate tonnage of 45,115 tons, an increase .of 23,228 tons. Imports decreased by 2169 tons from 10,212 tons in June, 1932,', to 8(143 tons last month but exports increased by 3187 tons from 3378 tons to 6565 tons, effecting an increase of 1018 tons in the total trade 13,590 tons being handled last year and 14,608 this year. Government cargo landed (totalled 2333 tons compared, with 1808 last year. • Five overseas vessels entered the port, compared with four in June last year. They 'were Cumberland 10,937 tons, draught 26ft 6iri; Tamaroa 12,354 tons, draught 26ft 9in; Port Victor 7280 tons, draught 21ft lOin; Maimoa 8011 tons, draught 21ft 7in; Surrey 8564 tons, draught 19ft lin. Consideration of a letter from the Whangamomona Progress League requesting support for a proposal to have the road completed between Whangamomona and Raetihi was deferred pending the receipt of further information by the board.