HARBOUR DEPTHS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 302, 21 December 1937, Page 6

HARBOUR DEPTHS

INCREASE OF 12 INCHES BOARD CHAIRMAN PLEASED LOAN OF £15,000 APPROVED I “It is very pleasing to see that I the harbour depths are increasing,” said the chairman of the Wanganui Harbour Board (Mr W. J. Kogers) at yesterday’s meeting, pointing out that an increase of 12 inches showed in the soundings taken by the harbourmaster (Captain JL'. E. Naylor). Captain Naylor's report indicated that the depth ai high water, ordinary spring tides, at tnc entrance, was 21 feet, 3 inches. Members of the board, discussing the matter after the meeting, expressed the opinion that the increase was bearing out the engineering belief that, once the two entrance moles were heightened and thoroughly packed, the scour would produce increased water in the entrance and the channel to Castlecliff Wharf. Work on the South Mole is still proceeding, whereas the North Mole has practically been completed and is now a water and sand-tight job. The board received notification from the Local Government Loans Board that a loan of £15,000 had been approved on the following terms: — 1. Term, 30 years. 2. Rate of interest 3i per cent, per annum. 3. Repayment: By equal aggregate annual or half-yearly instalments. 4. Payment of instalment to be made in New Zealand. No instalment to be paid out of Joan money. 5. Costs not to exceed i per cent. 6. No money to be borrowed after two years from date of Order-in-Council. When dealing with the application the Loans Board expressed the opinion that if during the progress of the work the cost ot shellrock is not reducible, then greater use should be made of concrete blocks. Several financial institutions have been written to enquiring if the would be prepared to advance the money . The loan will enable the board to complete the South Mole to the required standard, and after that has been done the full effect of the years of engineering advice will be put to the test. There is a definite feeling of optimism among a majority of the board that the raised and packed moles will produce the depths desired.