DREDGING THE NARROWS.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 6378, 7 May 1915, Page 4

DREDGING THE NARROWS.

ESTIMATE TO BE OBTAINED

BY HARBOUR BOABD

The Ohairman prcs-ntod a report to the meeting of the Harbour Board on Wednesday c mceriiing proposals as dealt with by him dv lug Ih visit to Aurlrland lasf month conepitmiij the hedging of ihe Nairows. Mr Stewart stated he visited the Secretary of tho Auckland Harbour Board, but was in formed that the Doard had no dredge available. The Chairnun thtn called cv Mr Ranson, manager of the Northern Steamship Company, who received him with, tho greatest courtesy and kindness. Mr Hanson underio k to put the matter in hand, and Mr Sutc'.iffe, of the firm of Messrs Sutcliffe a^d bounce, went: fully in'o the matter with 'the Chairman. Mr Sutcliffa stated his firm had a P/iostmari dredge, with three punts, now ready on tc.-mi-nation of a contract with the Auckland City Council.' The only difficulty in framing a tender lay in the disposal of the silr, but he promised to go carefully into the matter and communicate later on. Subsequently, the Chairman was informed by Mr Kanson that Mr Sutcliffe bad arranged to leave for Tauranga on April 20, and with Captain Haultaiu to go thoroughly into the matter on the spo*, -but; at Mr Stewart's suggestion the visit was postponed till after tl>e nice;ing of the Harbour Board. Mr Stewart also forwarded a letter to Mr Holmes, engineer in chief to the Public Wurks Department, pointing out that a drodge and punts were available and asking for information as to locality for disposal of the silt so as fo assist the required reclamation foi railway purposes. Mr Stewart said it occurred to him that it would not be unreasonable to ask thcDfpartment t» pio ide the protective works provided th 3 Board supplied the silt. He also pointed out that the inten'ion of his let'er was merely to suggest an alternative in case the Department is un able to supply the dredge, and that tin Boaid prefers to abide with their original proposal. A letter from Mr R W Holmes (Engineer in Chief to the Public Works Department) to the Chunnan was read as under:—"ln reply toyour letter of 23rd ultimo, on the subject of the disposal of the dredged material fro-B Tauranga Harbour, I have the | honour to inform you that this material can b9 disposed of in connection with the construction of the railway line along the waterfront of the towu of Tauranga. As sfcone protection will be required along the railway bank, arrangements can be made for the placing of this protection in any position which may suit the convenience of the Harbour Board, provided it does not materially increase the cost of the railway. In my report, which has cow gone to the Marine Department, I have stated that the Department could carry out the dredging for the Board, but at the same time I would much prefer that, if possible, tho Board should undertake this work itself. Our staff at the present timo is so much depleted through officers joiniog the Expeditionary Forces that we Cud very great difficulty ia carrying on the works in hand." Messrs Sutcliffe and t Mounce, Auckland, wrote in reply to a letter from the Ct airmail re dredgiog. They stated they will defer their visit to Tauranga until after the Board's meeting on May 5, and trusted they may be favoured with a report as early as possible of any matter which may assist them iv making an estimate of tho work. Captain Haultain has given them much information They said they will use their best endeavours to get a workable scheme unde>* way, but a personal inspection of ! the grouDd will be absolutely necessary Mr Grant said he was iv favour of heaving the work done by contract and thought the Board should ask Messrs Sutcliffe and Mounce to submit an estimate of the cost Mr Adams preferred to deal with the Government rather than with I contractors. If the Government uudertook the work the Board would be rid of a great deal of responsibility. Mr Stewart, moved—That Messrs : Sutcliftt) and Mounce be invited to give an estimate for the dredging of the fainvay channel as sefc out iv the letter to the Public 'Works Department, providing for the disposal of tho silt as follows:—(I) To deposit the silt behind the proposed railway reclamation retaining wall ; (2) for the silfc to be taken outside the heads; (3) providing for the disposal of tho silfc within the harbour by filling iv deep portions at points where the deposit would not prejudice the' fairway Mr Green seconded' Mr Southey thought they should ask Messrs Sutelifie and Mounce for a price Mr Lally wanted to know who was going to construct the returning wall? Mr Green said he would like to see the work proceeded with as soon as possible and had pleasure in supporting the motion Mr Lochhead intimated that lie ( would support the motion Mr Gil! thought it was a business proposition to approach Messrs SutcliftG and Mounce The Chairman sui<J (hut Mcsbrs Sutcliftti and Mounce would visit Tnuuauga at their own expense The uiutiou was then put and car- [ II was decided tj acknowledge Mr Holmes' letter aud to. state that the Board would be glad to receive his report ;\s soou as possible.