HARBOUR BOARD REPORTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11979, 28 February 1901, Page 7

HARBOUR BOARD REPORTS

At to-day's meeting o£ the Harbour Board Mr Ti Rawson will report as follows: — " Dredge 222 having completed her annual overhaul and docking, commenced on the sth to dredgo in the Victoria ohannel above pile No. 14, whore some slight shoaling has taken place; tha distance advanced has ueeli about 500 ft, with a cut 100 ft wide; tho material is .pure sand, and Borne difficulty iB experienced in keeping it in the buckets. Tho dredging is being taken to 21ft at 1.w.5.t., as it Was found necessary to have a good face to work oil to keep it in tho buckets. I would strongly recommend that new buckets be obtained. Tho present ones are practically done for, the repairs arc also very heavy, and I am of opinion that new Up-to-date ones would soon pay for themselves, in the saving in the cost of dredging. I estimate the cost of a new set at about £1000, and rocommond that tenders be called locally for their supply. I propose to discontinue the double shifts after this niontli, as the daylight is shortening, and it is not working to advantage under the present conditions. Tho Yulcan during the month has been pumping the ■ dredgings on to the enclosed areas by Lower St. Andrew street. The length of pipe is about-ISOOft. A full pipe is pumped, and a considerable area is being reclaimed. " The New Era Priestman dredge has been doing good work clearing out- tho lower berth at tho Victoria wharf, the punts being discharged alongside the Vulcan for the material to be also pumped up by hor. "Tho piling of Lower Jetty Btroet wharf is suspended awaiting a further shipment of piles. The new shed at this place has also been delayed for want of timber, but as most of this is now to hand better progress will be made. Sundry ropairs have been effected to tho wharf sheds, and a shipment of timber has been received to effect somo necessary repairs to Jetty street wharf required by tlvo Railway department. "The "Works Committee recommend that effect be given to the engineer's proposals to widen and lengthen tho Victoria wharf and give increased slicd accommodation, at an estimated cost of .£6500; and to obtain new buckets for Dredge 222, at estimated cost of £1000. "The Finance Committeo report that accounts totalling £2216 6s 3d have been passed for payment. " Tho Special Committee report that in view of the secretary's estimate of expenditure for the year, including the cost of new works which it is considered advisable to carry out, the committee regret that they , cannot recommend any further reduction of dues this year,. They recommend certain increases to salaries of officers mid wages of employees."