HARBOR BOARD

Evening Star, Issue 19386, 21 October 1926, Page 14

HARBOR BOARD

ACTING-ENGINEER'S REPORT Mr A. Robertson, acting engineer of the Otago Harbor Board, reports as follows for the month of September;— Dredging (Dredgo 222). —Dredge 222 lifted thirty-six loads, or 29,988 cubic yards of material, from Hamilton Bay, and fifteen loads, or 12,495 cubic yards, from Victoria wharf, making a total of (ifty-oiie loads, or 42,483 cubic yards. Of this material thirty-seven loads, or 30,821 cubic yards, were deposited at the Vulcan sand pump, and fourteen loads, or 11,662 cubic yards, at the Kaik. The dredge steamed 404 miles ami consumed 210 tons of coal. Dredge Vulcan pumped 30,821 cubic yards of material received from dredge 222 into tho Mussel Bay reclamation area. One vessel was docked in the Otago dock. The Port Chalmers dock was unoccupied during tho month. The Otago dock was pumped out once to sight keel blocks, making a total of two pumps for the mouth. _ The drainage pumps were in operation for 172 h 20min. Repairs were effected to the caisson of tho Otago dock. The electric crane was in use for one hour lifting a six-ton propeller shaft ashore from tho Mocraki. The new railway siding for the Wilburn Lime and Cement Company was connected with tho main line. Tho formation of tho 15ft wide roadway in Wickliffo street to give access to the Wilburn Lime and Cement works was completed. Good progress is reported on the formation of a similar roadway in Fryatt street from Wickliffc street to Halsey street. Tho accommodation for tho workmen at tho mole was completed and the burn occupied. The timber superstructure for seven bays of the mole was completed and placed in position ready for bolting. Ballasting opcratioim were continued on the main line and sidings. The erection of the Ruston steam shove! was completed, and tho shovel commenced work on September 27, giving satisfactory results. As the various machines use a considerable quantity of water, a new water hole was excavated near tho quarry, and the tanlm and pumping plant re-crccted in position. During quarrying operations last week a small tunnel, which had evidently been driven for tho purpose of firing a largo shot, was uncovered. Tho tunnel is in practically the eamo position as the one proposed by Mr Wilkie. The length of the tunnel is approximately 70ft, resulting in a saving to the board of, say, £2OO. As the length driven is not sufficient to bring down the large amount of rock required for the present reconstruction, a geological survey is in progress to determine the correct location of tho loading chambers.