HARBOUR BOARD

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 68, 22 March 1938, Page 8

HARBOUR BOARD

THE MONTHLY MEETING USE OF DREDGE KAIONE RESUME OF BUSINESS At the monthly meeting of the Wanganui Harbour Board yesterday the engineer-in-chief and under-sec-retary to the Public Works Department (Mr J. Wood) asked for brief particulars of the capabilities of the board’s suction dredge Kaione. He stated that it was proposed to do some dredging at Milford Sound and desired to ascertain whether a suction dredge of the Kaione’s type could be used. It could operate in deep water outside and cut its way in.. The harbourmaster (Captain F. E. Naylor) and the managing-secretary (Mr W. J. Gardner) were appointed to frame the necessary reply and furnish the particulars required. There were present at the meeting Messrs W. J. Rogers (in the chair), J. Millward, J. Siddells, J. Patterson. J. Robertson, D. Ross, R. Farley, T. Mitchell, J. Morrison. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs W. Morrison and Capt. J. White. Harbour Employers* Union

The chairman and managing-secre-tary were appointed to represent the board at an emergency meeting ol the New Zealand Harbour Boards’ Industrial Union of Employers at Wellington, to discuss matters in connection with the National Disputes’ Committee meeting and other general subjects.

Installation of Benzine Pump Messrs Johnston and Company’s application for permission to instal a benzine pump on the board’s property near the town bridge was deferred for consideration by the City Council, Messrs Millward and the managingsecretary to represent the board's interests.

Dredging at Imlay Wharf The New Zealand Refrigerating Company advised that it would not contribute to the cost of dredging at the Imlay Wharf. After discussion, the letter was received, the resident consulting engineer (Mr R. R. Dawson) reporting that from time to time small stone could be used for building up the training walls. Mr Dawson Is to report on the subject of training walls.

Increased Lighterage Charges The New Zealand Refrigerating Company advised an increase in the rates cf lighterage charges. Wool is to be lightered at a charge of 3d a bale more than hitherto, casks at 2s per ton more, and butter 2s a ton more. The letter was received.

Cool stores Employees A report was received from the managing-secretary covering the agreement entered into with the cool stores employees by which casual rates of pay have been increased from 2s 4d an hour to 2s 6d. The pay for permanent hands was fixed at £5 10s. Hitherto it had been £5 15s, which included 12 hours per week overtime. The free overtime is to be discontinued under the new agreement. The pay for engine-room attendants have been increased from £1 per shift to £1 2s per shift. The increases, Mr Gardner reported, would mean £l6O per annum, and the cool stores would not be able to carry them next year, but would have to pass them on. Thc x report was received. The £15,000 Loan The chairman reported that the board's £15,000 loan would be obtainable from the State Advances Corporation, every other effort to raise the money having failed. River Breaking Through Consequent upon a report by Mr Farley, of the river breaking tbreurb on the south side to the sea, the engineer was deputed to examine th? locality and experiment. with the planting of trees and the erecting of suitable fences. New Pilot House Erection of a proposed new house for the pilot staff was referred to the incoming board, the matter of architect’s fees, etc., being left with the chairman and managing-secretary. Harbour Depths The harbourmaster (Captain F. E. Naylor) reported that for the month of February the depth of water at the entrance to the harbour at high

water ordinary spring tides was 22ft. 6in. The depth at high water neap tides was 19ft. 6in. The depths at ether points in the harbour and river channel at high water ordinary springs, respectively, were shown as follows: Mole ends, Castlecliff Wharf, beacons on line D, 20ft, Oin., 17ft. Oin., 12ft. Oin; Castlecliff to Town Wharf, 13ft. Oin., 10ft. 9in. tn berthage: Town Wharf, to pile 24, 14ft. Oin; ti pile 33, 13ft, 3in„ lift. Oin.; Ga., Wharf. 13ft. 9in„ lift, 6:n.; Imlay Wnarf, lift. Oin., Bft. Sir.." (Low water not reported in regard to the latter four localities reported on;. Vessels Using the Port It was reported by the harbourmaster that, during the month ot February, 29 coastal vessels used the port, representing a total tonnage ot 12,730 tons. One intercolonial vessel arrived (2047 tons) and an overseas vessel was berthed (5102 tons). In the roadstead three overseas vessels were loaded (30,080 tons) and the port was used 98 times by lighters (10,096 tons), the port being used throughout the month by 132 vessels all told (60,055 tons). The report was received. Damage to Property. The chairman, managing-secretary and resident consulting engineer (Mr. R. R. Dawson) were appointed to confer with the board’s solicitors with reference to the complaint from Mr. C. H. Walker alleging that silt from the quarries had caused damage to his property by making a stream useless as a water supply. Messrs. Donald Rcss and T. Mitchell, the two representatives of that district on the board and as many other members ?.s possible were instructed to visit the locality and inspect it.