PORT OF NEW PLYMOUTH

Taranaki Daily News, 18 August 1933, Page 5

PORT OF NEW PLYMOUTH

ACTIVITIES DURING PAST MONTH. REPORTS FROM BOARD OFFICERS. Reports on the trade of the port of New Plymouth during the past month and on the activities at the port were submitted at the monthly meeting of the New Plymouth Harbour Board yesterday. Those present were Messrs. C. E. Bellringer (chairman), E. Maxwell, J. R. Cruickshank, D. J. Malone, C. H. Burgess, H. C. Taylor and J. H. H. Holm. The harbour master (Captain O. F. Mclntyre) reported that during July 29 vessels entered the port, compared with 25 in July, 1932. The following comparative figures for 1933 and 1932 respectively were supplied: Aggregate tonnage 40,313 tons, 64,566 tons (decrease 24,253 tons); imports, ,5657 tons, 11,388 tons (decrease 5681 tons); exports 1852 tons, 4215 tons (decrease 2363 tons); total cargo handled, 7509 tons, 15,553 tons (decrease 8044 tons); Government cargo landed, 2232 tons. Two oversea vessels entered the port, compared with seven in July, 1932. They were: Port Pirie, 7316 tons, draught 23ft. 6in„ and Cambridge, 10,850 tons, draught 22ft. Soundings taken along the sand bank on August 14 showed no more than the usual accumulation. The monthly report of the foreman (Mr. J. E. Hawes) stated that chafing pieces were removed and sheathing repaired under Newton King wharf. One chafing piece was renewed and walings and sheathing under walings and bracings repaired. A fair number of metal and iron bolts was renewed. On Moturoa wharf two diagonal braces were renewed, a number of walings and bracings repaired, sheathing on piles repaired and bolts renewed. Three coastal and two overseas vessels made use of the crane for working cargo at the Newton King wharf, working 61J hours exclusive of standing time. After, the heavy seas which occurred at the beginning of the month a careful inspection of the wall and apron of the breakwater was made. All was fotind to be in good order and condition. A fair amount of fittings was made for the water main under the Newton King wharf. On the dredge Paritutu the repairs to the suction pipe were practically completed. A temporary water service was laid along the top of the Newton King wharf in order to supply ships during the period the main line under the wharf was being renewed. The pipes for this main were all painted and several lengths placed in position.