NEW PLYMOUTH HARBOUR BOARD.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 10656, 3 July 1896, Page 2

NEW PLYMOUTH HARBOUR BOARD.

ENGINEER'S REPORT TO MEET-

ING HELD ON JULY 3rd, 1896. BREAKWATER.

Mr Cameron's contract terminated on May 20th, and Mr Hooker, the new contractor for addition to the rubble wavebreaker, was put in possession of the works on the samo date.

I have analysed the stone deliveries made On the first contract and have squared accounts with Mr Cameron for the error detcoted in the weighbridge figures.

The total value of all works executed by him is £1933 7s lid as per statement attached.

I have obtained standard weights and tested the weighbridge which now gives correct tallies.

On the completion of Mr Hooker's contract, I think the breakwater will be safe from damage for some time, but there is no doubt but that after heavy storms the Board must be prepared to tip some of the very largest stones procurable, in places where tho wavebreaker has sh»wn signs of disturbance. There should always be a stock of these very large stones kept in hand in the quarry or about tho breakwater, ready for immediate use when required.

XLtACiX. . - I recommend . the Board to pay attention to tho protection of the cranes, &c, from damage by the weather. All the cranes should be roofed and enclosed, and the funnels capped with watertight hoods when not in use.

WHARF REPAIRS,

The braces and walings require repair in many places. About 5000 feet of totara hcartwood will be required to effect it. Tho work of fixing might be dene by contract at per 100 feet fixed. DREDGING.

The sand pump will be ready for workin a few days, and I hope will prove entirely satisfactory. Tho Government surveys, extending over a long term, have Btated tho annual deposit of sand under tho lee of the breakwater at 16,500 cubic yards per annum. Since I took charge of the works the dredging has been done at the rate of 48,000 cubic yards per annum ; so that not only should the water have been maintained at the depth at which I found it, but some of, tho past accumulation should have been worked as well.

For the last few months we have not been maintaining the depths of water, and the extent to which the shoaling has proceeded caup&B the greatest 'anxiety to all interested in the work of maintenance and management of the port. It may of course be that we are getting a much greater rate of deposit just at present tban the average amount, and which might reasonably be expected to slack off again. Whatever may be tho immediate cause, it is absolutely imperative that further dredging power shouH be provided in addition to the T. King dredger. Just at present, we have adopted the temporary expedient of dredging with the big crane and Friestman grab, and dumping the spoil over the weather side of the breakwater. This ayfitem enables us to remove 80 to 90 cubic yards of sand per day from the big shoal beside the breakwater ; but I take exception altogether to the place of , deposit, for the sand is mast certainly drifted back again rouLd the end of the breakwater, wholly, or in part, and we are therefore doing work o no future value.

Immediately the new quarry crane ia ready for work, I recommend the Board to use the present quarry crane for drodging on the breakwater and wharf ; and to dump the spoil into ' aide and end tip wagons. _ A short, line of siding from 8 to 13 chains in length should be laid along the brow of the terrace parallel with the railway line, the wagons hauled along this and the Bpoil tipped over on \,o the beach to eastward of the breakwater. I have laid out everything, and arranged all details with Mr Lindsay, so that tko work can be put in hand immediately it is authorised. By this meaus, we shall be able to dredge and dicharge about 200 cubic yardß of eand a day, which will bo of tho greatest assistance in maintaining the depth of water ; while w* know that after having dredged and deposited it, we have not to dredge and re-dredge it. The single chain grab should be put in good order, and I recommend that a new one should be ordered from England. If we can once reduce the vast accumulation of sand in the harbour, so that we have some reserve of depth of water to come and go upon, then I think the sand pump, properly and energetically worked, will of itself bo able to maintain and perhaps slightly increaso tho depths of water. At tho present time, however, we are working under such disadvantages that a few days stoppage in dredging operations, or a spell of extra long continued stormy weather causes immediate iuconvenienco to be felt.

I have nade a careful examination of the dredge hull. The plating is of great thickness and strength, but has never been properly cleaned and tarred,' so that it is very badly pitted and the rivets greatly corroded. The hopper plating and much of the framing is in bad order, and the boilers are rusted and weak.

In perhaps two or three years time the Board will find itself face to face with the necessity for obtaining a new hull and boi'ers. Tho propelliug engines are of ample power to drive a vessel double the tonnage, and I made the sand pump much 1 larger than is due to a vessel of the present dimensions, so that these machine) could be re-built in a much larger vessel than the present dredger. lam aware the Board cannot not on this suggestion for some long time to come, but I mention it now, as I think it is a policy towards which the Board should direct its attention for future action when possible. I have pleasure in informing the Board that Mr Hooker is proceeding satisfactorily and energetically with his contract, and tbat Mr Lindsay continues to do his duty to my entire satisfaction. F/W. Marchant, M.'lnst. 0,E.,

Engineer New Plymouth Harbour ' Board