NORTH MOLE

Timaru Herald, Volume CL, Issue 22133, 29 November 1941, Page 6

NORTH MOLE

Progress Of Work Report Of Engineer Details of the progress of the work on the North Mole were submitted by the engineer, Mr B. W. Charman, to the monthly meeting of the Timaru Harbour Board yesterday. Mr Charman reported that the total length of the new alignment of the North Mole constructed during the year ended September 30, 1941, was 272 feet, making the total length of wall constructed 959 feet, the average quantity of stone per lineal foot of wall being 60 tons. During the 12 months 188 feet six inches of the old alignment of the North Mole was removed by the contractor, making the total length removed to date 212 feet six inches. A considerable quantity of Eastern Extension Mole timber had been salvaged. Quarrying Operations From data compiled by the engineer, the chairman, Mr F. R. Flatman, reported that from the commencement of quarrying operations in December, 1938, up to the completion of operations in February last the output from the two quarries was as follows: — Claremont Road 15,182 tons, Board quarry 63,348 tons, a total of 78,530. An additional 2178 tons of sandstone was obtained from the Claremont Road quarry. The stone quarried was deposited as follows: —Eastern Extension Mole, 20.970 tons; North Mole. 57,510 tons. In addition 69 tons of sandstone were deposited on the Eastern Extension Mole, 2085 tons of sandstone on the North Mole, 24 tons of sandstone on the quarry line and 50 tons of rock were sold. The stone deposited on the Eastern Extension Mole was deposited in the following localities:—Repairing damage, 3928 tons; building up low portion, 14,599 tons; building up outer end at Mole light, 2443 tons, a total of 20,970 tons. Sale of Old Gear Mr Flatman mentioned that since the last meeting a length of old chain which was salvaged from the “Taniwha” had been sold for £75. A sale was also found for a quantity of old rivets which were left over many years ago when the “Taniwha” was built, and £2l/17/6 was realised. Including the old shed at the quarry the sales of surplus and salvaged gear amounted to £143 in October and £34 to November 24, making a total of £177 since October 1. In addition to the above all the surplus gear, such as jack hammers, etc., which remained unsold when the compressor went to Auckland, had been placed with the Otago Harbour Board for the sum of £197. A further quantity of chain had been sold for £l5O. Trade And Revenue The report of the Trade and Revenue Committee stated:— "Promotion of Industry.—lt was suggested that the committee examine the suggestion that the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, Borough Council and Harbour Board combine in asking selected leading Industrialists of New Zealand to visit Timaru or at least stop off over night as guests of the above bodies. The setting up of the asbestos factory at Christchurch was not announced until the land had been purchased, and it appears that the method of approaching the sponsors of new Industries after they have been mooted is not satisfactory as the action always comes too late. This new method, if carried out energetically, would insure that those men most likely to engage in new industry will, at least, be personally familair with conditions at Timaru. The committee approved the suggestion and Mr Cuzens undertook to issue an invitation to Mr C. V. Smith, president of the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Association, and Mr D. I. MacDonald, secretary of the same body. It was also resolved that the secretary issue an invitation to Mr Fletcher to stop off between trains to attend a luncheon on the next occasion he is passing through. “Industries Associated With Linen Flax.—The lecture which is to be given in about a month’s time in Timaru by experts in the linen flax Industry was discussed, and It was mentioned that in addition to the cattle cake factory a string and binder twine factory might eventuate. “Shipments of Diesel Fuel.—The attention of the committee was drawn to the fact that the differential between main and subsidiary ports on diesel fuel had been Increased from about 40/- per ton to 58/6. However, the same goods could be purchased In Christchurch, and provided a minimum quantity of two tons was despatched the railage would amount to 40/9 per ton only. As all the trade was in drums it was obvious that it would not be long before the port of Timaru lost the whole of its import trade in this commodity. There was also a possibility that the special railway rates might be extended to other fuels. —The committee considered the subject to be extremely important and set up ’ a sub-committee consisting of Messrs Somerville. Cunningham and de Castro to investigate the matter and bring down a report to the next meeting of the committee. The reports were adopted.