HARBOUR WORKS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15748, 26 April 1913, Page 4

HARBOUR WORKS.

CHAIRMAN'S ANNUAL ADDRESS. At last, night's meeting of the Otago Harbour lioard the Chairman (Mr J. il. Walker) made the following remarks on the board's works and financcu:— In the annual report submitted to you by the engineer the ; various matters in reference to the trade of the port and incidental thereto are clearly., and lucidly explained, and a perusal of tnis report is necessary to obtain some idea of the amount of work carried on; but it may be of interest to have a short and concise report of the works in progress and other matters which are of general interest.

South Endowment Wall.—This work is being rapidly pushed forward, and marks a most important part in the board's policy. The estimated cost of this work is £15,000, and for (our months' work a length of 330 ft has been put in position at a ccst of £850. The total length of the wallis 5400ft,'and it is expected that when the locomotive, now under overhaul, is put into commission this work will be completed in two years' time. When completed it should enable the policy laid down in the engineer's report to be proceeded with, and allow for deepening the approaches to the whart and- increasing the swinging area, ,aUo increasing the depth over a very large area, which should prove of consk'lerabla advantage to tho shipping. It will also enable the' board to get rid of a laTge amount of silt, the removal of which entails an annual expenditure of £3COD. ' Black Jack's Wall.—This'work _is being constructed expeditiously and' with geed results. The stone obtained from the quarry at Black Jack's Point is of gocd quality, and the fost of the work is considerably below the engineer's estimate. The total lengLh ci the wall to be con-' structed, including the. boat harbour, is S4Coft, and the length of wall now in position is 1370 ft, the ecfit of the same ueing 36s per foot, or 6s per foot below the engineer's estimate. Should the present rate of progress bo maintained, the wall will bo completed in 21 mouths frum date, and as this is substantially built and on a good foundation, tho straightening of the railway line should follow within an early date from its completion. The construction of the boat harbour will be coterminous with the wall, and this muchneeded convenience to yachtsmen should, within a reasonable period, be an acknowledged fact. Victoria Channel.—Dredging is proceeding at present to enable the channel to be increased in width and depth, and I have the engineer's assurance that within 12 months vessels drawing 24ft will be able to berth at Duncdin wharves—a statement most reassuring to these who realise the immense importance of it, which will enable the port of Otago to keep in line with tho other principal ports of the dominion.

Leith Deviation.—Practically all the piles, 1209 in number, have been_ completed for this work, and pile-drivihg. is to be commenced immediately. A stai't has also been made to construct the reinforced concrete gravity wall from Harbour ten-ace, wluch work is part of the canal scheme. On the completion of the canal the present Leith estuary will be reclaimed, thus removing what it_ at present an eye-sore, and substituting land which will become revenue-prodncinc.

Reserves.—The large amount of reserves we have at present must prove a valuable asset ill the future, and the policy outlined by the board, in having a plan prepared and giving this full publicity .with all particulars, should ensure that a large number of sections will be utilised by the business portion of the community, tho 'proximity to tho railway and shipping giving them ail enhanced value. Lower Channel. —Tiie increased depth of water at the entrance to the Heads and in tho Lower Channel is extremely satisfactory to note, and the question of further dredging, extension of wharves, and increased reclamation at Port Chalmers is engaging the early attention of the board. Rattray Street.—The extension of wharface to allow for extra berthage accommodation for . .the large steamers will be brought before the board during the coming year. The necessary ground to allow for this being 'done has" been secured, the timber for the work is in hand, and this work should not entail a very large expenditure to complete. Committees.—ln my opinion the. work done by the committees could be much simplified and better results obtained by the board .having only one committee, composed of every member of the board. I advocated this system hero some considerable time ago, and the experience gained' in other public bodies here and throughout the dominion lead me to the conclusion that a better knowledge would be obtained by each member of "the business of the .board, more regular attendances would result, and the deliberation arrived at would prove of more value than under the present system. Finance.—The present year has been marked by a stringency in the money market, and tho rate at which money can be obtained has advanced accordingly. Public and' other bodies throughout the dominion have all found a difficulty in obtaining money at the same : rate, of interest as previously, and the Harbour Board lias been fortunate in obtaining a ready sale for a number of its debentures. However, wo have deemed it prudent to make arrangements to carry us forward with the works we have in hand, and also to approach the Government to amend the present legislation to enable us to pay a higher rate of interest at a later date should this be necessary. This is a course followed by other harbour boards previously, and will only be taken advantage of should there be a tightness in the money market. The board's endowments are increasing in value, and w'e anticipate that a larger demand will obtain for many of the sections which are at present unoccupied, and I would earnestly suggest that consideration should bo given by the' new board towards setting aside a fairly large amount of the rents obtained from these reserves annually, for a special sinking fund to help towards liquidating the loans as they become due. At present we havo the marine insurance fund, plant renewal fund, and also a sinking fund set apart towards liquidating tho dock loan, and while these are very necessary, I am strongly of, opinion that a further sum should'be set apart as suggested. Should the amount received from reserves be insufficient, it will be necessary t? have a readjustment of our services to ensure the payment of an adequate, sum. Might 1 thank the members and employees of the board for the consideration and courtesy extended to me during my term of office, and at the same time express my appreciation of the valuable work rendered by every member in the conduct of tho board's affairs.