THE RIVER ENTRANCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2525, 11 June 1909, Page 4

THE RIVER ENTRANCE.

A LOCAL ENGINEER’S SUGGES-

TION.

At the last meeting of the Harbor Board considerable discussion took place on the question of what steps would bo the best to take towards remedying the inconvenience and danger to shipping caused by the range at the entrance to the river. Several reports have been received from engineers and others on te question, but for various reasons not one of them has been adopted. The meeting decided J to engage. Mr. L. G. P. Spender, A.M.1.C.E.., of Gisborne, to report?' His report has now been received, and will be laid before members of the Board at a special meeting which has been called for Monday. Various suggestions have been made to effect a remedy for the danger, ineluding lengthening the breakwater, driving piles at the end of the breakwater, wave traps, and blowing the end off the groyne. Mr. Spencer’s report strikes out in an entirely different and original direction. He suggests that a series of cuts be made in the groyne, to the depth of about two feet above low water, and each extending for about twenty feet in length along tho groyne. By this means it is claimed that the waves rolling in past the end of tho breakwater and striking the groyne will be enabled to escape through tho cuts, and will not, as hitherto, run along the groyne and deflect again across to the breakwater, further down. The same effect as is hoped for by means of the proposed cuts was claimed for the suggestion to blow off the top of the groyne for a suitable distance, hut the latter scheme was not at all favorably received in shipping circles, as it was realised that the sunken end of the groyne, would present a very real, though hidden, danger to vessels making tho entrance to the river in heavy weather.

Mr. Spencer’s suggestion is that the first of the cuts ho made immediately on this side of the enlargement of tho outer end of the groyne, and that furflier cuts bo made along the groyne, where, by the action of any wave that escapes the first opening, it is seen to be required. It is not considered that more than three or four cuts at; most will be necessary, and the distance, between them will not bo decided upon until after the first cut is made,''if the Board decides to adopt the suggestion. Another great advantage claimed for the scheme is the comparatively small cost for which tho work can be'carried out. 1 .