HARBOUR WORKS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19841, 16 May 1927, Page 6

HARBOUR WORKS

GOOD PROGRESS MADE REPORTS BY OFFICIALS At the monthly meeting of tho Wanganui Harbour Board there were present: Messrs A. G. Bignell (chairman), Bruce, .1. Morrison, Lovegrove, Allen Robinson, W. Morrison, Siddells, Patterson, Rogers and Russell. Harbourmaster’s Report The Harbourmaster (Mr F. MeIntyre) reported that on April 1 the depth of water at tho entrance was equal to 24ft. h.w.o.st., 21ft. h.w.n.t., and 16ft. 1.w.0.5t. On May 2, the soundings were the same. Tho least depth of water in the navigable channel from tho end of the moles to tho Castlecliff Wharf was equal to 23ft 6in. at h.w.o. st. and 20ft. din. at h.w.n.t., or 15ft, Gin. at 1.w.0.5.t. The least depth of water between the Town Wharf ami tho Castlecliff Wharf was equal to 12ft. 9in. at h.w.o.s.t. and 9ft 9in. at h.w.n.t Ihe least depth of water at the Town Wharf was equal to 13ft. 9in. at n. and 10ft. 9in. at h.w.n.t.while the least depth of water at the Gas Wharf was equal to 14ft. at h.w - o. and lift at h.w.n.t.. The loading berth for lighters at Imlay Whaxf was equal to 12ft 6in at h.w.o.s.t. and 9ft. 6in. at h.w.n.t. The sand was scouring away from the bend above the wharf and caused the shoaling at the top end. Twenty feet out from the wharf the ctepth was good aud gradually deepening.

A total of 297 vessels entered and departed to ’and from the port during the month. One hundred and forty-nine vessels entered and 148 departed giving an aggregate tonnage of 58,832 tons with a tonnage for two liners in the roadstead totalling 17,281 tons. The ocean liners Delphic, Port Caroline and Ruapehu were in the roadstead during the month, and transhipped 129 lighter loads of frozen meat ami general cargo. Engineer’s Report The engineer (Mr H. V. M. Haszard) reported::— Quarry.—The output for the month was 870 tons. The Easter shut-down and the weather experienced accounting for the reduced output. In connection with the supply of stone to the City Council for the Taylorville bank otection, I have conferred with the City Engineer re the stripping of the very extensive overburden, and we have come to the conclusion that as neither the City Council nor the Board has the necessary plant for carrying out this work economically, it would be advisable to call for tenders for idioing the stripping work. To this end a survey aud plans and specifications for letting a contract are being prepared. Training Walls.—The southern wall in Mitchell’s Reach is now being raised. A few more punt loads will complete this portion, when the continuation of tho raisng of the northern wall will be carried out. Some 600 tons were used for this work, 480 tons on the southern wall and 120 tons on the northern wall. North Mole—Ono hundred and twenty tons of largo blocks were tipped at tho extreme end. The lighthouse at tho end, which had sagged: towards tie channel, was moved and secured. Basin Wall.—Two hundred and seventy tons of additional stone, were added to this wall. Tho cementing of the fop of this wall will be carried out by the stone gang as circumstances allow. Meuli Wharf Reclamation.—Tho contractor has practically completed tho grading and formation, leaving the metalling to be completed. Dredging.—The bucket dredge continued, the deepening of the swinging basin, which is now in good condition for swinging any ships that are likely to enter the port. 10,514 cubic yards of silt 'were removed. Two hopper barges were slipped for repairs. These punts can only be kept going by constant tinkering. Oil Berthage.—The piles and most of the timber for this structure have arrived, and a commencement has been made with the erection. The reports were adopted.