OTAGO HARBOUR BOARD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19258, 23 August 1924, Page 10

OTAGO HARBOUR BOARD.

ENGINEER'S REPORT. Tlio following report will be submitted by the Otago Harbour Board's engineer (Mr J. M'G. Wilkie) to the monthly meeting of the board, which will be hold on Friday next. During the month of July dredge 222 lifted nine loads, or 7-197 cubic yards, from between piles 28-29, one and a-half loads, or 1233 cubic yards, from the entrance to tho Otago Dock; and a half-load, or 433 cubic yards, from tho entrance to the Port Chalmers Dock; making a total of II loads, or 9103 cubic yards, for the, month. Of this material, 7197 cubic yards were deposited at tho dredge Vulcan and 166 G cubic yards wore deposited at the Heads. The dredge proceeded to dry dock ou July 10, and underwent a very extensive overhaul to machinery, hoppers, well, and hull. The age of the dredge is quite evident in her general condition, and the Marine Department limit her steaming distance to within three miles of tho Hoads in tine weather. iJunng tho month tho dredge steamed 94 miles and consumed 82 tons of coal. The dredgo went into commission again on July 31. During tho month of July the Vulcan pumped 7497 cubic yards of material received from dredge 222 into the Lake Logan reclamation- area. On July 9 the Vulcan commenced a thorough overhaul, including the relining of the gravel pump, general repairs to machinery and cutter gear, and repairs to puma and floating pipe line. The Vulcan went into commission again on August 1.

During the same period three vessels were docked in the Otago Dock and one vessel in the Port Chalmers Dock. Tho Port Chalmers Dock was pumped out three times for block laying, etc., making a total of seven pumps for the month. The electric engines were running 47} hours on various lifts.

For a period of five weeks ended August 9, 1317 cubic yards were quarried from tho top quarry at Black Jack’s Point, and 481 cubic yards from tho bottom quarry, making a total of 1828 cubic yards. The whole of tho material was deposited on the railway embankment. Both quarries at Black Jack's Point were closed down on August 12 The Railway Engineer has been advised that the formation is complete, and hie approval of the work is awaited before Anally closing down. For a period of five weeks ended August 9, 1924, XOS9 cubic yards of material were quarried at Goat Island and deposited on the half-tide wall. One hundred yards of the above material was deposited on the boat harbour walls, A start has been made with the new reinforced concrete shed at Kitchener street. The first foundation jiile has been driven, and indicates that 53ft piles will be required to eneure a solid foundation. This ia a greater depth Dian was anticipated, and will make the foundations more costly. A gear shed is in process of election at the board’s store. Tho foundations and columns are in position, and the walls arc now being built. Tho “Boxon” method of boxing has been adopted, and is proving very efficient. No. 7 black channel pile was drawn and re-driven in a more suitable position. Seven piles were driven at the back of the halftide wall for surveying purposes. Tho protective dolphins for the use of dredge 222 when negotiating the Victoria channel to tiie Vulcan’s pit are being repaired where necessary. Tiie usual ma-intcna-nce repairs to all the wharves and sheds were effected. The launch Taiaroa was slipped for cleaning and painting. The Harbourmaster (Captain Mac Lean) lip.s suggested that a short substantial wharf in lino with the dock entrance and about opposite George street pier, would meet his requirements in docking vessels. With 1 a view to ascertaining the nature of tho ground on this site teat piles were driven, but as the greatest penetration was only 411 the idea of tho wharf has been abandoned.