CROSSING THE BAR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17353, 19 May 1924, Page 8

CROSSING THE BAR.

STEAMER TRIP TO KAIAPOI. WOOTTON ON THE WAIMAKARIRI The river ]x>rt of Ivaiapoi, eight or nine years ago, was a regular place of call by small costal steamers, which found a. profitable trade in cargoes of coal, sheep and produce. Trouble with the Waitnakariri bar was encountered, and steamer trade fell off, being ultimately discontinued altogether. Recently there was a movement to revive the river trade. It was mooted when the railway strike was on. but at that time nothing was done. The conditions at the Waimakariri bar and in the river were reported to be favourable and the possibility of' restoring steamer communication with the port of Kaiapoi was keenly discussed. Yesterday the trial was made, and the small steamer Woottdn, 150 tons. Captain Larsen, successfully made the trip from l.ytteltoli to Kaiapoi wharf. The Wootton left Lyttelton at about 11 10 a.m.. carrying ballast. She had intended to carry coal, but the cargo was not ready. The steamer cleared the heads at 11.40 a.m.. and was off the mouth of the river at about 2.30 p.m. She waited for the tide, which was at the full about three o'clock. She was then signalled to enter by the harbourmaster. Captain H. Featherston. A slight sou*-west breeze was blowing and the steamer made an excellent crossing over the bar. She rolled only very slightly, and entered the river without mishap. The depth of water on the bar appeared to he ample.

The steamer’s entry into the river at Kairnki was witnessed by a largo crowd of interested spectators, many of whom had journeyed down from Kaiapoi to observe the incident Shortly after the Wootton entered the Waimakariri, she was boarded by an official party from Kaiapoi. which had made the trip down in Mr L. Al’AHister’s launch. The party consisted of Mr H. M’lntosh, Mayor of Kaiapoi, and Messrs H. C. Revell and J. Matthews, members of the Waimakariri Harbour Board. They made the trip to Kaiapoi on the Wootton. and the wharf was reached very com - fortably after a pleasant sail up the river, the steamer being swung easily before being berthed. The arrival was watched by a large crowd, the bridge and wharf being lined with people. There were also present many people from Rangiora, the Rangiora Brass Band having arranged to give a concert that afternoon at the rotunda.

Cheers were given for the Wootton on the call of Mr J. H. Blackwell, who is chairman of directors of the 6 Kaiapoi Shipping and Trading Company. The Mayor and Mr Revell made short speeches welcoming the Wootton to Kaiapoi. and expressing the satisfaction of the residents at seeing a steamer in the river once more. Mr Resell, speaking on behalf of the Waimakariri Harbour Board, expressed the hope that the trip would mark the inauguration of a permanent service to and from Kaiapoi Mr Matthews, who represents Rangiora Countv on the Waimakariri Harbour Board, congratulated the company and Kaiapoi on once more having a steamer on the river. Mr Blackwell also expressed his gratification at the success of the Wootton’s trip. If the Harbour Board kept the channel open, the company would not fail to do the rest. The Wootton will load produce for Wellington and will then sail for Wellington .