SHOAL AT HARBOUR ENTRANCE HINDERS COAL SHIPMENTS

Wanganui Chronicle, 22 February 1949, Page 4

SHOAL AT HARBOUR ENTRANCE HINDERS COAL SHIPMENTS

The shoal at tne entrance to the Wanganui River at Castlecliff has increased and now extends across the entrance some 500 ft. from the moles, harbourmaster (Captain R. D. Stewart) reported to yesterday’s meeting of the Wanganui Harbour Board. Between this shoal and the moles there is a deep gutter about 250 ft in breadth with a depth of 30ft. at high water, ihe added.

“Coal vessels drawing 13ft 6in to 14ft 6in would not be able to enter at neap tides unless under very favourable conditions,” reported Captain Stewart.

“Well south of the leading beacons the shoal decreased and leaves a navigable channel about 250 ft wide. With any westerly weather this channel could not be used, as the vessels must allow for a southerly set, and keep well up to the North Mole when approaching the entrance. The gutter already referred to tends to increase the set across th e entrance during this type of weather. •

“I must draw the board’s attention to the fact that the depths at the entrance have been deteriorating over the last four months. A southerly gale may give temporary relief, but the board must expect severe and sustained shoaling in this vicinity unless something is done very soon.”

The harbourmaster reported that there was no change in the position between the mole ends and Castlecliff and in th shoaling at No. 1 wharf. Dealing with th e river channel, the harbourmaster said there had been no appreciable change in depth except that there was a slight shoal 150 ft off the railway shed at the town wharf with a least depth of 12ft., otherwise the depths were reasonably good. The red lamps fitted on the piles at the break had been a great help when small vessels were working the channel at night.

“The position is serious. We cannot shut our eyes to it,” said the Hon. W. J. Rogers, M.L.C. He fully expected that board members would be told what remedial action was to be taken.

“You and some of the old members of the board should know that this shoal has always been with us. Some times it becomes much worse,” said the chairman (Mr E. A. Millward). Soundings were being taken at the present moment by the harbourmaster. There was very good water south of the leaders. The shoaling had been going on for a long time. Captain W- E. Wahlstrom said that the shoaling was due to the weather as there had been no floods in the river for some time to clear out the channel. Only a gold southerly would clear it satisfactorily. The chairman said he hoped that. Captain Stewart, would be present later in the meeting and give the results of his latest soundings.