General News

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 271, 16 November 1943, Page 4

General News

Power Consumers. During the past month nine new consumers were connected to the Wanganui-Rangii.ikei Electric Power Board. The total number of consumers is 12,351. Sale of Opossum Skins

Reporting on their sale of opossum skins,held in Duneuin recently, the .New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co., Ltd., state that there was a. strong dmeand and a brisk tone lor all skins. Quotations are: Blues and greys, Is to 2s 3d dearer; blacks and orowns. Is to Is 6d dearer; thirds and damaged ap to 9d dearer. No Longer Required. It was reported at the monthly meeting of the Wanganui-Rangitikei Electric Power Board yesterday by the engineer, Mr. H. Webb, that the temporary 11.000 volt line supplying power for the demolition of Lie Port Bowen is no longer required. It has been dismantled and the materials returned to store.

Swimming- Meeting. Because of the war the senior membership of the Wanganui East. Swimming Club has been seriously depleted and an appeal is made for new members. The club’s future will be discussed at the annual meeting to be held to-morow night, when it is hoped that enough support will be forthcoming for it to continue its activities.

Collegiate School. The following are the results of scholarship examinations held at the Wanganui Coilegiate School: —Eric Riddiford Scholarship. J. Lubrook (King’s School, Auckland, and Wanganui Collegiate School); Hope Gibbons' Scholarship. A. D. E. Knight (Hereworth School); Trustees’ Day Boys’ Scholarship, V. Heine (St. George’s School).

South Spit Erosion. Much erosion had taken place on the seaward side of the South Spit, said the engineer, Mr. R. R. Dawson, at the monthly meeting of the Wanganui Harbour Board yesterday. He added that the most dangerous places were in the vicinity ot the dump wharf, where the immediate erection of fences was proposed. It was hoped that these fences would arrest the drift of sand. Harbour Breakwaters.

Warning notices prohibiting the public from walking along the North and South Moles al Castlecliff are to be erected by the Wanganui Harbour Board, following a. decision reached at the monthly meeting yesterday. It was stated that the decking on these breakwaters had not been repaired, and that the board could not be held blameworthy for any accidents that, occur to unauthorised persons using them. Chilled Beef Contest.

A start with judging on the hooks was made at Imlay Works yesterday after beasts entered for the New Zealand Chilled Beef Championship had been killed. The contest is conducted annually by the Wanganui Agricultural and Pastoral Association and is in two sections. The animals • were judged on the hoof at the abbreviated show on Saturday. The judge at the works is*Mr. E. Hansen, grader to the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board. It is expected that the results will be known to-day.

Coaster’s Rough Trip. After being at sea for about 40 hours on the. passage from New Plymouth, the Northern Company’s auxiliary motor-vessel Hauturu crossed the Wanganui bar at 10.33 a.m. yesterday and came up to the Town Wharf. Loaded with sugar and general cargo from Onenunga, the Hauturu left New Plymouth late on Saturday afternoon and encountered a southerly gale all the way down the coast. The wind increased In velocity as she approached Wanganui and her progress jwas retarded. When the vessel arrived off the harbour entrance at 4 p.m. on Sunday heavy seas were running on the bar, and she was compelled to spend the night outside. The wind decreased yesterday morning and after being buffeted. for a day and a-half the vessel was able to enter port. Weather permitting, she was to have sailed for Picton last night.

Harbour Depths. The maximum depths of water available at the harbour entrance, high water, ordinary spring tides, lasi munch, were 19ft. on October 6 and 20ft. 6ins., on October 20, reported the harbourmaster. Captain R. D. Slewart, at the monthly meeting ol the Wanganui Harbour Board yesterday. From the moie ends to Castleclin Wharf the depth was 1711. 3ins., and at Mitchell’s Roach, between Castlecliff and the Town Wharf, the deptn was 1211. The depth ol water available at. the Town Wharf was 13it. 6ins. At the entrance there was a slight improvement, but the shoal rererred to in his last report still remained, the harbourmaster added. Mr. F. O. Bridgeman commented that since the report was made out the position in the river channel had been improved by dredging. The chairman, Hon. W. J. Rogers, said the harbourmaster was doing his best to keep the river open.