NAPIER HARBOUR WORKS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13915, 28 May 1909, Page 3

NAPIER HARBOUR WORKS.

lUVAL SCHEMES

The Napier Harbour Board lias drawn up an order of reference ltHicii more niiiiuti: I hall usual, to guide the engmiH rs wlio a re to be invited to advise the Hoard oil its lutiire policy, that is. whether to complete the breakwater 'harbour that has been so long in hand and is still tar from being finished, or to abandon the breakwater and set about improving the original river port. The first part of the catechism refers to the river port, and a iseheme proposed by Mr George Nelson for its improvement by dredging and to smile extern :»y controlling tnc tidal overflow from the Ahuriri lagoon. One question is whether the scour of the oitllfow with its •"> to (i knot current. would be sufficient to maintain the proposed depth of channel outside the piers (the present training walls) for a mile or so without perpetual dredging. Another question is whether "a bar would be likely to form outside the piers, as there used to be before the breakwater was made.. Generally those who drew up the order of reference have made use ot criticisms of Mr Nelson's proposal: Could dredges work in the river channel at all times."" Would a channel dredged outside the •>iers be permanent? Can you devise ii scheme to obviate constant dredging:" Would the inner harbour be safe to work at all states of tide and weather conditions by large ocean-going vessels ? Would it, be necessary to maintain the breakwater as a trap for .shingle:-' How many dredges would be required, and what their annual cost:" In regard to the breakwater, the en--1 gi ii eel's are to be asked. How long

will it take to complete iv. : ' ; ,L ,vh^ cost J When completed would it be workable at all states of '"' hj" ther by lar«e steamers . J . AXo " k ', travelling sliingfe' enter tlie. liai bov 1 hv and bv. or travel northward. 1 the breakwater scheme is abandonee! now. would the existing linrbmir senouslv shoal up from travelling detritus It' completed would this harbour meet all reasonable future requirements. Finally: "Which of the two schemes would you recommend, and why.'