THE OUTER HARBOR.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2114, 13 February 1908, Page 2

THE OUTER HARBOR.

ENGINEER’S REPORT CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD.

I ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DESIRED.

The speci'atß mooting of the Harbor Board to consider the report on the outer harbor by Messrs Coode, Son, and Matthews, was held yesterday afternoon, when there were present; His Worship the Mayor (in the chair) and Messrs W Sievwright, J. W. Whinray,J Clark, D. Hepburn, AY. D. Lysnar, G. Matthowson, F. Harris and the Hon. Capt. Tucker. Plans were laid on the table, number one being Air Marchant’s, No. 2 being Messrs Coode’s improvement upon it and the third being Messrs Goode's proposal, the latter making the breakwater a little further-east-ward, as stated in the report. A letter was received from Air Marchant at Christchurch asking for a dozen copies of Air Wilson’s report. He would go carefully into the matter, Air Wilson, in a communication to the writer, stated that the plant estimato had been increased and the sea slope of the breakwater had also been flattened. He was certain that ho allowed for sufficient plant. It was well enough to flatten the slope of the breakwater, it gave a good deal of reserve, but they knew as a matter of knowledge that breakwaters in this part of the world, stood with

steeper slopes than 2.) to 1 if made with 15 ton blocks. It was also suggested to shift the breakwater, but until he 6aw the plans he had no idea of what it meant. The Alayor said that a point that struck him was the question of the isolated rocks. The report urged that the site and the approaches should be carefully swept by means of a horizontal rail; this had not been done. * Air Alatthewson thought that the plans should be referred to Mr Alarchant for his comments. Air Lysnar agreed with the last speaker. Ho also thought that the various schemes should be submitted to a colonial man of repute. He remarked that Messrs Coode’s proposal had many' advantages and the situation fw the jetty was better designed, They wanted to get the best re- ; suits and make no mistakes in what they were doing and they should get all the advice possible. With regard tp the high expense provided for trucks in Alessrs Coode’s report, they could be procured in New Zealand. He moved that the plans and reports bo submitted to Air Alarchant for criticism arid that steps be taken to have the site surveyed. After getting a reply from Mr Alarchant it could be referred to others. Air Alatthewson urged that ferroconcrete be used fox the wharf construction. Air Whinray said that it was important to ascertain if the stone at Waihirere was suitable and they should got an expert opinion on the matter. Some of the Government experts should be able to test the strength of the stone. Mr. Lysnar’s motion road as follows; —That the plans bo referred to Air Marchant , for his criticism, with a request that : he submit a detailed estimate of the ! cost of the construction of the work ! on the new site, with the' cost of jetties constructed with timber, and an alternative of ferro-concrete, and that Air Alarchant be informed that the Board will probably refer, in addition, to another colonial expert. Also that steps be takon to have the site "swept” with a horizontal rail. Air Sievwright said that they had met to get all possible information to put before the ratepayers ond Air Alarchant should be asked to report on No. 3 site. Mr Clark' seconded the motion,' They wanted to get information ' satisfy themselves before putt'' to before the ratepayers, it v " -ng it tra cost in uttle ex--1 well spent becagso * advice was dependent on, §\>'' -uey were really Capt." T/mk-*’' .oh advice, proposal V _r quite agreed with the all w/*" o look at the question from ,nts of view. Being a work of .n magnitude they should act cautiously and they should be guided by past" experience. The expected did not happen in the past, and therefore they should bo careful. Having decided on what to get, they should bo careful to see that they got it. Ho was glad to see that there was no attempt to hurry the matter. It was the only proper step to get further advice. “Ho thought that after getting Air lAlaxchant’s reply, the Board should be in a- position (to proceed, but he avould not oppoeo the propositi. , Air Harris Thought that they should not go too far at once in the matter. The money was ibig, !but even then it was only a ilea 'bite to this place.. , . ~ The Alayor said that tine was the only course they could adopt at the present time. It seemed that the new site was much better nnd it would be wise to refer it to Air Alarchant and get his views, then they would know where they were. The motion was carried unanimously. , , .. , , Air Lysnar suggested that it would bo well to see the Hon. Air Carroll about securing a Government vessel to do the sweeping. A committee was formed to go into The matter. , , , „ Apr Lysnar also suggested that Dr Bell, Government Geologist, be asked to reliort on the AViuhirere metal. C.r AAAhinray moved that steps he taken to ascertain whether the WaiVrore' stone was suitable for the breakwater. They Government had moans o f ascertaining the matter. Air Clark seconded the motion. He had not .much doubt about the stone being suitable, but still, the suggestion ws'.s a -good one. He suggested that ,th»e Hons. Carrol and Fowlds be, seen ou the matter. This was a greed upon, and the motion vns cairded. __