CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVI, Issue 4000, 17 June 1870, Page 4

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

An adjourned meeting of the Committee of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce was held yesterday, at the hall of the Mechanics' Institute, for the consideration of important business. The following members were present : — Messrs. W. Morrin, J. Eattray, C. Yon der Heyde, H. M. Jervis, J. Mason, J. Bracher, Lewis, Samson, Lusk, Philips, Vaile, W. Graham, Captain Rattray. vjt. You der Heyde, Esq., occupied the ' chair, and called upon the secretary, Mr. J. T. Garlick, to read the minutes of previous meetings, which were confirmed. REPORT OF DOCK COMMITTEE. The meeting proceeded to consider the report of the Dock Committee. The Chairman stated that Captain Daldy, who had intended to explain the report, had been unavoidably called away. The Chairman then read the report as follows :—: — "REI'ORl 1 . "Your committtee, appointed to report on the proposed Act to incorporate the Harbour Trust, beg to state that they have carefully examined and gone into the several clauses of the bill, as drafted by his Honor the Superintendent, and that they have suggested such alterations as they considered necessary to the proper working of the Act. " Your committee have also received from the Superintendent the report now handed in, referring to that part of the harbour, between Fioeman's and Mechanics' Bays, surveyed by the Engineer-in-Chief, with a view of fixing on a site for proper dock accommodation. "G. Vox der Heyde, " Chairman. "Auckland, June 10, 1870." " Engineer's Office, Grahamstown, June 7, IS7O. "Sir, — In obedience to your instructions, on the 19th May I commenced a series of soundings and borings in the harbour of Auckland, between Freeman's Bay and Mechanics' Bay, at low water, at Gft. water, and 10ft. -water, and prepared a general plan of the harbour for laying the same down thereon. 1 placed the carrying out of the work under the charge of my assistant, Mr. Daniel Simpson, O.E , Mith general instructions as to the details required, Mr Simpson's former expenence in connection with the harbour of Auckland making him paiticulaily well qualified for the work undertaken I send you herewith interim report by Mr. Snnpson, together with the map lef erred to, on which are laid down carefully the soundings and borings taken up to the Ist June. The site proposed by Mr. Simpson for a dock, near the Breakwater, seems the best within the boundary of the examination drrected-by you, namely, between Freeman's Bay and Mechanics' Bay; but, before fixing upon any site, it would be necessary to make an examination of the harbour generally, on both the Auckland side and the North Shore side, when the question of the kind of dock required might be considered, whether a graving dock, a slip dock, or a floating dock. The probable amount which may be taken as the maximum outlay for dock purposes has also to be considered — for a substantial graving-dock would be of far more importance to the commercial interests of Auckland than either a slip or a floating dock, but it would cost a much larger amount than either of the other two. Still, it would be a work worthy of a great port. Mr. Simpson's report will be found of great practical utility to thos j interested in so important a subject as dock accommodation for so excellent a harbour as Auckland. — I have, &c., (Signed) " Charles O'Neill, " Provincial Engineer. " To his Honor the Superintendent, Auckland." "Provincial Engineer's Office, Grahamstown, June 6th, 1870. "Sir, — In accordance with your instructions of 18th May, 'To examine that portion of the foreshore of the harbour of Auckland lying between the western side of Freeman's Bay and the eastern side of Mechanics' Bay, and to take soundings and borings out to (10) ten feet at low water, for the purpose of determining the moat eligible position for a graving dock," I havo the honour to report that 1 have taken a series of soundings and borings extending to (10) ten foet at low water between the two points mentioned; and the position that most nearly approached the required conditions of depth of water and secure foundation is off Fort Britoniart, either a little to the east or west of the existing Breakwater. A reference to the map furnished by me will show that at a distance of (300) three hundred feet off the end of the Breakwater, at the lme of ten (10) feet at low water, and east and west along that line for (1,000) one thousand feet, the depth of the rock from the present bed of channel ranges from (9) nine to (11) eleven feet, and the rock gradually rises towards the shore, cropping out below low- water mark, the whole distance from the (10) ten-feet line to the cliff being (925) nine hundred and twentyfive feet. It will be seen that the line of (10) ten feet at low water approaches very much nearer the rshore at this point than at any other place, being a distance of upwards of (3,000) three thousand feet off Freeman's Bay, and (2,300) two thousand three hundred feet off Mechanics' Bay, and the borings along the (10) tenfeet line to the westward show the rock gradually dipping from (9) nine feet at Point Britomart to (20) twenty feet, under the Queen-street Wharf, increasing to (24) twenty-four feet at the outer Dolphin to the west of the pier, and lost at (24) twenty -four feet across Freeman's Bay. The borings at the east of Point Britomart still preserving the (10) ten feet line show a more gradual incline of the surface of rock from \9) nine feet, not varying much for a distance of (900) nine hundred feet, being lost at (27) twenty-seven feet north of Wynyard Pier, and not being struck again until near the eastern head of St. George's Bay, where it rises to (6) six feet at a distance of (570) five hundred and seventy feet from the cliff. The vicinity of Point Britomart to the centre of commerce, and the probability of the barrack site being aoon available, would have great weight in the selection of this position for a graving dock, independent of the more favourable nature of the ground, and projecting, as it would, (300) three hundrsd feet outside the present breakwater, would afford more shelter to the shipping in Commercial Bay. But it must be borne in mind that such protection, by diverting the direction of the stream, and throwing it to the northward, outside the end of Queenstreet Wharf, would tend still further to diminish the depth of water at the wharf ; for, acting, as it would, in creating a large area of comparatively still water, and thiis allowing any matter held in suspension to deposit, the harbour would become subject to the inevitable law of all sheltered basins in a tidal river, requiring dredging sooner or later, according to the spare depth of water. The present breakwater is an illustration of the above, for soundings at the Queenstreet "Wharf, taken by me in 1854, and again in 1864, show very little difference, except in the immediate \icinity of the mouth of Queen-street sewer, whilst from 1864 to the present time the depth of water at the outer end of Queen-street Wharf has diminished one foot six inches, the wharf itself assisting the deposit by checking the frea run of the tide. But, independent of any arbifioal projections into the stream, the natural configuration of this portion of the harbour is favourable to the deposit of silt, for the width of the harbour, which, opposite Meohanios' Bay is one mile and a half, ia suddenly narrowed between Point Britomart and Stanley Point to three quarters of a mile, and then as suddenly expands into a large lake, embracing Freeman's and Shoal Bays, three miles wide, and narrowed again at its upper end by the immense lava reef from Mount Albert, which is projected into the stream at nearly a rant angle, effectually barring the run of the tide along the southern shore, and causing the large flats off Freeman's Bay. This deposit would have increased much more rapidly but for the action of the north-east gales, at intervals, which cause a heavy swell on the beach, and, by disturbing the >eposit, allow a considerable portion of it to be gamed away in suspension by the troubled

water at ebb tide. Any part of the harbour sheltered from this disturbing process will be more liable to silt than the exposed positions, independent of that portion near the exit of Queen-street sewer, which will specially receive the immense quantity of matter brought down by flood water from nearly the whole street area of the city of Auckland; and as this portion of the harbour is the one best protected from the disturbing I causes mentioned above, it follows that the deposit will be proportionately greater. The sooner measures are taken to carry the deposit from the sewer outside any harbour works, the longer will the necessity for dredging be delayed. This is independent of the sanitary view of the case, which speaks strongly for itself. In considering the undoubted advantage to Auckland of the possession of ajgraving dock of masonry, capable of taking in the largest class of vessels, it must be borne in mind that such advantage cannot be obtained without such an expendi- j ture as very few even first-class j)orts have ventured to incur ; and the comparison may have to be made between other portions of the harbour of Auckland than the one under consideration, and also whether the object could be obtained by adopting some other of the modern appliances, as floating docks, hydraulic lifts, &c, at a much less outlay. Even the construction of a floating dock of the size required, say 4OOft. long by 90ft. beam, or equal to the hull of a vessel of nearly fifteen thousand tons builders' measurement, is no trivial undertaking. The introduction of iron into such structures as floating docks, &c, by diminishing the expense of maintenance, decreasing the risk from fire, and its complete immunity from the destructive action of the worm, are points which must weigh heavily in its favour ; and its durability compared with any structure of wood is well illustrated by such vessels as the s. s. ' Great Britain, ' now more than twenty years old. and still a favourite ship, whicn has gone thiough trials that would have destroyed a wooden vessel years ago. The Admiralty have shown their confidence in iion for this purpose by adopting it for the large floating dock at Bermuda, which w as built in England and safely towed to its destination by two of H. M. steamers. Theie is another point which will have weight in the consideration of this subject, viz., the comparison of time required to complete the dilFerent structures ; and here a floating dock of either wood or iron would have a great advantage, for the scarcity of suitable stone in the vicinity would render any such large work very tedious, independent of the time occupied in erecting cofferdams, &c, and the greater liability to casualties which such tidal works are subject to. As I before remarked, the vicinity of Point Bntomart is the most suitable position for a work of this kind, and if the breakwater was extended, in its present form, 300 feet, it would afford shelter and a berth for a floating dock, which could be hauled into the stream to receive a vessel, and when she was docked the whole could be laid alongside the breakwater, thus affording free access to her without the expense and delay of conveying material to and fro by water ; and the vacant space between the baths and the cliff might be filled up for the site of foundry, forges, other workshops required. The cost of extending the breakwater would have to be added to the floating dock, in comparing it with one of masonry. The site for the forges, &c, would be the same in both cases. Wo have in this portion of the colony some of the best wood in the world for the construction of ji floating dock, and, though infeiior for this purpose to iron, the question of first cost might have weight in the consideration, with, perhaps, a little advantage in point of time. I would suggest, if iron is decided on, that the plates be prep^feij in Englaud, where you would have the/ advantage of the knowledge acquired in p/evious works of this class, aud be enabled Alb adopt any improvements that may .havij presented themselves. The importance of this subject to the whole mercantile community cannot be overrated, more especially at this time, when a struggle is taking place for preference of ports of call in the great ocean routes now projected j and any port providing accommodation for economical repairs of the large class of steamera requisite on such routes would certainly nave a preference, particularly when seconded by anything like the growing commercial importance of the city of Auckland. — Yours respectfully, " Daniel Simpson, ' ' Resident Engineer. "Charles O'Neill, Esq., " Provincial Engineer." Mr. J. Mason moved that the report of the committee be adopted. Mr. Jervis seconded the motion. Captain Rattray disapproved of the recommendation of mooring the dock alongside tLe wharf. They all knew the weight of such a structure, and it would not therefore be possible or advisable, in all weathers, to adopt the suggestion made in the report. The motion was carried, after a short discussion. REPORT ON STORAGE OF GUNPOWDER AND KEROSINE. Mr. Samson read the report of the committee appointed to consider the storage of gunpowder and kerosine, as follows :— " The committee appointed to consider the working of the Dangerous Goods Act beg to report — "1. That steps should be taken to test the quality of kerosine of the brands known in the market, with a view to determine which are dangerous within the meaning of the Dangerous Goods Act, and that application should be made to the proper authorities to arrange for the removal of present restrictions as to landing, ft a, of such kerosine. " 2. That they believe the charge for rent upon gunpowder stored at Mount Eden magazine to be excessive, and they recommend the Chamber to apply to the Provincial Government to reduce the rate, if practicable. — V^illiam Samson, Chairman of Committee." Mr. J. Mason referred to the information laid against' the captain of the 'Hero 'for having kerosine on board, in contravention of the provisions of the Dangerous Goods Act. If vessels were compelled to anchor in dangerous ground to land kerosine it would be detrimental to the interests of the port. Mr. R. Lusk moved, and Captain Rattray seconded, the adoption of the report. Mr. Mason thought there should bo a recommendation that the clauses of the Act prohibiting the loading of kerosine at the wharf should be repealed. Mr. Braohbr thought the present airangement in regard to the storage of gunpowder increased instead of decreased the danger. Almost all the accidents that had ocenrred in connection with gunpowder had occurred in the course of removal. He thought the kerosine should either be removed to the North Shore, or that a hulk should be used for the purpose. Mr. Jervis did not think there was anything in the Dangerous Goods Act providing for the landing of kerosine. There was simply a definition of the boundaries of the area within which it might be landed. He thought a hulk would be the most suitable. Captain Rattbay did not think kerosine was really dangerous goods within the meaning of the Act. It specified that goods were dangerous which were liable to take fire at 112 degrees of temperature, but he did not think kerosine would take fire at that degree of temperature. t Mr. Morrin thought that spirits were far more dangerous than kerosine. He quite agreed with Mr. Mason that compelling a vessel to discharge kerosine out in the stream for removal to the shore would be highly detrimental to the commercial interests of the port. Mr. Jervis Baid he believed that the Act referred simply to petroleum, and that the authorities had erroneously jumped at the conclusion that kerosine was meant. Captain Rattray coincided with Mr. Jervis. . > Mr. Vaile thought petroleum and kerosine were the same materials, but that they ' were distinguished according to the degree of preparation. ' Mr. Jervis believed that petroleum was , the oil in its crude state. Mr. Morrin suggested that a petition should be sent ty the General Assembly, requesting that all restrictions against the landing of keroaine »ho»ld be removed.

Mr. Vaile referred to the dangerous nature of some kinds of wax vestas. Mr. Graham thought the Dangerous Goods Act was applied to the Merchant Shipping Act. He recommended that the provisions should be abrogated as regards keroaine, and made applicable to petroleum. The motion that the report be adopted, was carried. Mr. Vaile then moved that the, committee of the Chamber draw up a petition to the General Assembly, praying for the removal of the restrictions upon the landing of kerosine. «

GOLD DUTY. , Mr. Bracher said, with regard to the export duty on gold, he begged to move that a sub- committee be appointed to draw up a report to be considered at a future meeting, the committee to consist of Messrs. Tonks, Mason, Bracher, Dargaville, W. J. Vance, I. Phillips, S. H. Smith. Mr. Mason seconded the motion, which was carried ; and after a vote of thanks to the Chairman the meeting separated.