HARBOUR ENTRANCE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 224, 19 September 1944, Page 4

HARBOUR ENTRANCE

REPLY TO COMPLAINT BY MINES DEPARTMENT ICOLLBEKS ABLE TO WORK PORT. An assurance that colliers from Westport or Greymouth, arriving off I Castlecliff with full loads of coal I were able to enter port at high water, spring or neap tides was given at the monthly meeting of the Wanganui Harbour Board yesterday when the Mines Department expressed concern at the position which existed early in August. It was stated at the meeting, however, that difficulty was caused through shoaling at the entrance, but since then the depths had improved considerably. The Mines Department, in a letter to the hoard, stated that large quantities of industrial and railway coal used at Wanganui came by sea from the West Coast of the South Island, but higher costs would be involved it it were necessary to unload colliers at other ports. During August the collier Rata discharged at Castlecliff and was to have returned to Greymouth, where coal was available for a return trip to Wanganui. The Anchor Company, however, had stated that it was advised that insufficient water would be available at the harbour entrance for the Rata to enter port. This had given rise to the impression that colliers could work the port only during spring tides, but it was essential that they should be able to enter on neap tides. On the occasion referred to, the letter added, arrangements were made for the Titoki to load at Greymouth for New Plymouth, 200 tons of her coal being railed from the Taranaki port to Wanganui. The secretary Mr. I. Hedditch, said he had written a reply to the Mines Department stating that the trouble early in August was due to shoaling which had occurred at the harbour entrance. Dredging had been carried out and the position improved. Colliers could now- work the port on spring and neap tides. The opinion that the Anchor Company had misunderstood the position was expressed by Mr. A. E. Millward. Possibly the harbourmaster. Captain R. D. Stew-art could clarify the situation. Details of soundings taken on the bar were given to the shipping company, which was told that its ships could enter port at any stage, said Captain Stewart The company, how-

ever, disagreed that there would be sufficient water under the ships when, they entered port. "I have proved that they are wrong in that assumption,” Captain Stewart added. “Shipa can definiely come in on neap or spring tides.” The chairman, Mr. W. Morrison (Maxwell): It is unfortunate that such a misunderstanding should have arisen. The position had improved considerably since the latest soundings were taken on August 28, when 18ft. were available on the bar at high water, spring tide, said Mr. Millward. He suggested that details of further soundings be supplied to the shipping companies. The City Council was concerned about inadequate supplies for the Wanganui Gas Works, said the Mayor, Hon. W. J. Rogers, who is also a member of the board. He added that with the chairman of the Gas Committee, Cr. G. E. Bennett, and the engineer Mr. W. J. Stone, he had waited on the Minister of Mines (Mr. Webb) in Wellington Last week and made representations for more coal. “The point was raised about shipping not being aljle to work the port on certain tides, but. Cr. Bennett assured the Minister that the Rata was able to enter on any state of the tide, neap or spring,” Mr. Rogers added. “We are very anxious to build up our stocks of coal at the gas wharf.” Captain Stewart assured the board that last Friday he telephoned Wellington and assured the Mines Department that colliers were able to work the port on spring or neap tides.