THE RIVER ENTRANCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3332, 26 September 1911, Page 5

THE RIVER ENTRANCE.

TRYING TO MAKE IT SAFE.

ABOARD RECEIVES A “WARNING.”

TENDERS FOR BREAKWATER EX« TENSION TO BE CALLED.

The Harbor Board recently decided to call tenders for the extension of the breakwater, and, in consequence, a, letter (previously published)' was received at yesterday’s meeting from Messrs Kirk, Burnard and Sievwright on behalf of Dr. Collins, stating that the Board 1 had acted illegally, as the meeting was a committee meeting, and not a meeting of the Board. Dr. Collins, when the minutes of the committee meeting came up for condonation, asked if it was usual for the Press to; be present at a committee meeting. The chairman said it was not. It would be recalled that at the previous meeting Mr Humphreys moved the re•solution for the extension of the breakwater, and at that time they were expecting plans from Mr Holmes. He (the speaker) said he would call a meeting within forty-eight hours of the receipt of the plans. He intended to adjourn the last meeting when the business was concluded, but they began to discuss the question of the passenger’s luggage, and it escaped liis notice. This was the way the mistake occurred, and he apologised for what had happened, but it would 1 he put right. They had done one good' thing at that meeting, and that was. deciding to call for tenders for surveying the Tauwhareparac estate. He quite intended to move the adjournment of the last meeting. A letter was then received! from Messrs Kirk. Burnard and Sievwright. He would move the resolution that Mr Holmes’ plan and specifications for the extension of the breakwater he adopted. and that tenders be called for the work, which was carried 1 at the committee meeting by a large majority. Only yesterday there was a great range in the river, and they should proceed to remedy it as soon as possible. If the resolution was carried they would then be in: a legal position in calling for tenders. He was opposed to taking anything off the groyne, but whatever was done he would say let them go ahead. Dr. Collins said they should receive the letter first. The chairman then moved bis resolution, and that the letter be received. Dr. Collins seconded both propositions. Mr Smith moved that 100 ft-. be taken off the groyne. Dr. Collins then proceeded to give his views on the question of extending the breakwater, and said he thought it should be carried unanimously. It had two objectives in view, and there were two distinct issues, each of which had found favor in the mind' of ©very member of the Board. One section, of the Board was voting for it as an isolated work, and the other as pant and parcel of an outer harbor. He was voting for it not as a single work, but because he thought it was necessary, in view of the possibility of the ratepayers of this distnet fallirg in with the extension of the breakwater and allowing the Beard to construct a modified outer harbor .'•cheme to deal with shipping later on. As an isolated piece of work it was one of the most expensive pieces of work they could undertake. They would have to construct concrete blocks because they had not got stone. The chairman: Is it necessary to bring in the matter of an outer harbor? Dr. Collins said he was deprived of an expression of opinion at the committee meeting on account of having to attend a case. That was the reason for the letter. Dr. Collins then proceeded to point out the Board would have to get a crane and build a bridge over the river for the work, while the same object could be obtained by blowing off the end of the groyne. Mr Clark: Dr. Collins can only talk for himself. We have all got our own views. Dr. Collins said he would speak for himself. He pointed out that certain members were on the Board pledged to vote against an outer harbor scheme. T’hev dare not vote for it. and were shielding themselvss under the fact that they wanted the extension simply for the purpose of rendering the river safe, but if they were honest in their views they would vote for the removal of a portion of the groyne. The motion appealed to both parties on the Board. Mr Clark said his views were gathered from those of the various engineers who had given opinions. He was voting for the extension for the safety of the river, and was not using it in connection with an outer harbor. If the people who had to pay for it wanted an outer harbor, he would say get the best, marine engineer in Europe to report- on the. work.-C-When - that time, came his views would be very plain 'on the matter. , Mr Smith said he thought the river could be made safe by reducing the groyne. After further discussion the motions moved by the chairman were carried.