BREAKWATER EXTENSION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2768, 24 March 1910, Page 4

BREAKWATER EXTENSION.

PROPOSED -SOURCE OF METAL SU'PPLI -

U the meeting of the Borough Council last night, tiie following letter was received from the secretary oi the Harbor Board:— .. , “I have the honor, by direction of my Board, to apply to you tor nerinissioh to explore the papa rock. deposit on the noroh-east side oi Cook s Memorial. by driving-a small tunnel oft bin high by 2ft bin wide, into the bill at tins point, for a distance of from 60 to 100 ft li this drive shows that there is sufficient suitable stone for the purpose required, I have further to ask permission to open up a quairy. I ins could he done in sucii a -manner as to leave the site in a better (position than it is at present for the construction of a botanical garden, which would he on an elevated plateau, sheltered from all winds, and make a very -favorite resort for townspeople on a summer evening, instead of being as at present a precipitous slope, liable to landslips. The circumstances which have Jed to this application are shortly as .ollows: The serious danger to life and property caused by the cross sea at- river entrance during south-east weather is well known to you all, as well as the absolute certainty that should the [passenger -tender, through the wave action, collide with either the breakwuter or the groyne, there would be an awful catastrophe and loss of liio (winch would retard the -progress of this district even more than the To Ivooti massacre did), and to avert such a calamity this Board has decided, on the advice of Mr Marchant, and with the sanction and approval of the Marine Department’s engineer, to make a rubble extension of 300 f- from the end of the present breakwater to break the force of the south-east storm wave striking the end of the Western groyne and rebounding across to the breakwater, and thereby causing the ‘jofcble in the channel which makes a vessel entering quite unmanageable. The greatest difficulty is obtaining suitable stone for the rubble extension at a minimum cost, and Mr Marchant is sanguine that this could he t got from the site now applied for, if it turns out correct, will mean a saving of over £2OOO to the ratepayers of this district by obviating the necessity of laying a tramline to Pah Hill, which for several chains would have to be cut through solid rock above high-water mark. Trusting you will give this matter your favorable consideration, and awaiting your reply.” The Mayor said that he was not in favor of granting the reauest, in view of the fact that- the. site mentioned would thus be rendered valueless as a botanical gardens reserve. He thought that as the land, in question had been given by Mrs. Carroll for a specific purpose, they, as a Council and as trustees for the people, shuold vigorously oppose any suggestion that the land should be tised for quarrying purposes. He moved that the request be not granted on those grounds. In moving that the request be acceded to, Cr. Collins referred to the terms of the letter, and said that the consideration of a possible loss of life should outweigh any other personal consideration, and that they should give all the assistance possible to the HarborBoard. Cr. Clayton seconded the amendment, remarking that it was the duty of the Council to work in as far as possible with the other local bodies, who were working, no doubt, in the best interests of the district. C.r Kirk suggested that the matter might be referred to the Engineer for a report and recommendation. Cr. Smith spoke in support of the amendment, remarking that if good stone were found there it would be of great advantage to the Ebroug-h.

The Mayor contended that the “stone” to he found there was simply “hard mud,”' but was suitable for the Board’s requirement's, in so far as it would be covered with concrete. The question was a serious one, and if they respected the Mit- and were loyal to the ratepayers, they must refuse, the request. He further pointed out that the establishment of a quarry might possibly endanger the stability of the hillCr. Pettie advocated the referring of the matter to the Works Committe, who could consult with the engineer, visit the site, and report to the Council. CT- Collins strenuously opposed tiro suggestion to ' refer the matter to the W orks Committee, especially in view of the fact that two members of that committee, the Mayor and C-r. Harris, were members of the Harbor Board and strom"-[v opposed to the proposal for the extension of the breakwater. . After further discussion it was decided to adopt Or. Pettie's suggestion of referring the matter to the Works Committee which will aeeordinglv report to the Council.