THE CALLIOPE DOCK.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 104, 4 May 1891, Page 4

THE CALLIOPE DOCK.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,— Any practical man acquainted with the'erection of docks and their niaiiaaemenb, and who has watched the strange proceedings in connection with the building of the Calliope Dock, cannot help being struck with the impractical and apathetic way the powers thab be are fooling about it. In the first place the dock, as it now stands, is of no use, and it will require the expenditure of many thousands of pounds to put ibm efficient working order. Supposing a vessel came into our harbour with somo of her plates bent, or ber shaft broken, there are no appliances in connection with the dock in Auckland to do the work. Such beinf the case, I for one most decidedly agree wibh one of the new members of the Harbour Board thab bhe dock should be handed over to the Imperial Covernraent (bhab is if they will take it), for as ib stands at present we are certainly not in a position to expend the amount of money that is. required to put it in thorough working order, and to borrow any mote money to spend on it, I consider very injudicious and a great wrong to the ratepayers. I think we should let those have it who can complete it properly and make it of practical benefit to tho port, instead of a burden to us. Fleet expenditure is all very well, but we give value for whatever is bought, and are paying too dearly for the benefit of a dock lying year after year unfinished and also useless. If the momentous time comes suddenly for it to be required to repair damaged warships, a war would be begun and ended before the Harbour

Board could get out the machinery. A detailed plan of a complete plant should be made and estimates obtained. If no other arrangements can be made, let us try and raise money locally, and geb the job done. Judging by the report of the last Harbour Board, they will want some outside aid.—l am, etc., Practical.