OTAGO HARBOUR BOARD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17868, 25 February 1920, Page 8

OTAGO HARBOUR BOARD.

ENGINEER'S REPORT. The Engineer (Mr Wilkie) reports aa follows for ths current month:— Dredging.—During the month of January dredge '&i lifted a total of 14 loads, or 11,662 cubic yards, of spoil from - tho fql lowing localities: —Between piles 22-23, in the Victoria Channel, 6 loads, or 4998 cubic yards; between piks 31-32,. in the Victoria Channel, 7 loads, or 5831 cubic yards; Deborah Bay, 1 load, or 883 cubic yards. The whole of the spoil was deposited in thp Vulcan's pit. The dredge steamed 130 milos, and consumed 130 tons of coal. Hard steaming coal lias been practically unprocurable, and local lignites have been used to keep the dredge at work. The supplies of ligiiit.?, however, aro so limited that it has been necessary for the dredge to coal practically every day, and much inconvenience and delay have been caused thereby. On January 24 the dredge was docked, and a spare shaft and propeller fitted to replaoo those damaged on January 19. The dredge came out of dock on the 28th. and resume-d work in the Victoria Channel.

The dredge Vulcan pumped 11,662 cubic yards of spoil received from dredge 222 into the Lake Logan reclamation area. Since tho fitting of the new runner and the general overhaul in October of last year the dredge has been performing satisfactory work. On the long drive into Lake Logan tlio motor hcat-s towards th-3 end of the shift, but this fault will be rectified by substituting a smaller driving pulley, thus increasing the speed of the motor. During tho time that dredge 222 was in dock the punts, pipe line, and ball joints were overhauled.

Docks. —During the month of January five vessels were docked in the Otago dock and three in the Port Chalmers docks. Also tho Port Chalmers dock was pumped out twice for setting uivj resetting keel blocks for drcdee 222. making a total of nine pumps for the month. The ceiling in four of the freezing chambers has collapsed and fallen to the floor. Tlw pumice is now being bagged and the piping disconnected and stored. Tho freqzing machinery is also being attended to. Various Works. —For a period of three we?ks and a-half, ended February 11, 750 yards of stone were loaded on punts and deposited on tho north spit wall. Mole loading lights: Tho front and back beacons have been erected end the Aga lights installed. Before being gazetted the lights are being observed under varying weather conditions. Hayward Point light: This lantern was erected in the workshop, and the proved satisfactory. With the exception of th? lantern and the tower, all material in connection with the work has been landed at Hayward Point, and tho foundations of tho tower are .now in progress. On all the eastern channel jetties lifebuoys have teen placed in convenient positions, replacing those which have disappeared from these wharves. It is hoped that residents, will assist in preventing ths misuse of such life-saving appliances.