A HARBOUR GROYNE?

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20168, 9 June 1928, Page 8

A HARBOUR GROYNE?

SKIPPERS SCEPTICAL PROTEST AGAINST PORT ENTRANCE WORK. Beliewjng that the erection of a branch groyne from the southern breakwater will materially improve entering conditions at the port, the Wanganui Harbour Board has recently made extensive progress with the workcut, while the Board considers that new groyne will be of use, the captains of some of the best known coastal ■teamers visiting here apparently do not. Nine of them have written a letter to the Board protesting against the construction, and asking that the groyne be removed. They call the work a trap. “Dangerous and a Trap.’’ At yesterday’s meeting the Board received this letter:—“We. the undersigned, masters ot vessels trading to Wanganui, strongly p:crest against the construction of the groyne being erected from the south training wall at the entrance. In oar opinion, this groyn • serves as a trap and is a danger to all vessels entei-ng the port. We request that this grvyrc be removed immediately.—W. Williams, Holmdale; C. V. fcitanith, Gale; J. S. McKenzie, Breeze; R. V. Manson, Calm; J. Maylen, Regulus; L. B. Sheppard, Storm; J. Smith, Invercargill; J. Howick, John; W- 11. Sawyers, Kapiti. ” “Take no notice of them.’’ said Mr John Morrison when the lett r was read to the Board. Does no Harm. Mr A. G. Bigneil (chairman): With Captain Mclntyre. Harbourmaster, 1 hate found that the current is not affected. The entrance is narruwetl, but lucre is ample room. Mr W. Ju urn sun: Why didc’t they protest before/ The Chairman: As tar as we know, there will be no difference. Mr W. Bruce; Ask them to state their rcasoDsMr W. Morrison: The narrowing of the channel is apparently their reason. “’lake no notice of them,’’ repeated Mr John Morrison. Captain P. Mclntyre: There is plenty of ciiannel. No difference has been made. The Chairman: The late Mr Blair Masou wanted us to put in u stone groyne—this one is wood. Work Will Continue. Mr John Morrison: We’re nut stopping the work/ The Chairman: Oh, no! We’re going on with it. It was decided to ask the captains protesting to state their reasons. In his report for May, presented at the meeting. Mr H. V. M. Haszard, resident engineer, said: The entrance groyne wa« extended 80 feet during the month leaving 40 feet to complete. So far. the results are encouraging, as a large quantity of material is being scoured away from above the groyne, and deep water is extend : ng downstream. Probably it will be several months before full results can be ascertained.