COMPLETION OF THE THORNDON RECLAMATION.

Evening Post, Volume XVI, Issue 289, 6 December 1878, Page 3

COMPLETION OF THE THORNDON RECLAMATION.

+¦ The Thorndon reclamation was completed to-day, the lost load of material being filled in, thus making an unbroken area of land from Lambton and Thorndon Quays, right out to the breastwork. The contractor, Mr. O'Malley, is now bringing down some train-loads of surplus material, in order that it may be ready on the spot to fill up any hollows which may be caused by the partial subsidence of the reclaimed ground. There appears, however, little probability of any appreciable sinking. Mr. O'Malley made so large an allowance fur possible subsidence, that the whole reclamation h filled in to a height of from 7 to 22 inches greater than required by the strict terms of the contract, but there are no signs that the present level will be materially lowered. The pipe drains, which are being laid through the reclamation, are also progressing rapidly towards completion. We understand that some slight misunderstanding has arisen in respect to that portion of the new reclamation opposite Thorndon Quay, which has been used for some years by the City Corporation as a metal depot. - It seems that not only the metal deposited by the Corporation, but also a considerable slice of the reclaimed ground itself on which the metal was deposited has beon carted away, thus leaving a hollow which the contractor for the reclamation thinks it hard he should be called upon to fill up under the circumstances. However, it is not anticipated that there will be more than a iew days delay in handing over the finished work. The Thorndon reclamation was commenced on the 2nd April, 1875, and consequently has occupied three years and eight months. The contract time, originally, was eighteen months, but subsequently was extended to the 31st May last. The long and exceptional continuance of bad weather alone has prevented Mr. O'Malley finishing earlier, but he appears to have carried out his heavy undertaking faithfully and well. The total area reclaimed is 49 acres 1 rood 12 perches, exclusive of the separate reclamation of 4 acres on which the Government Buildings stand. It is estimated that the reclamation has absorbed over 500,000 loads of material.