DREDGE 350.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13904, 15 May 1909, Page 3

DREDGE 350.

To the Editor of the 'Tiniaru Herald." Sir,—Your correspondent. Mr Angland, takes a rather narrow view of the subject in his opposition to the hiring of the dredge to the Oamaru Harbour Hoard. Although the actual working hours of the dredge only amount to about four months of the twelve, it does not follow that this condition of working may not at any time be improved upon. He quotes the late engineer's figures .showing that by working double shifts the work wo'uld be compltted in half the time required by the present single shift system. but, apparently, he does not see that it is quite possible for the dredge to work six mouths here and six months at Oamaru and yet be able to complete the work in hand on schedule time. He has also evidently overlooked the report of the last monthly meeting of the old Board, wherein the engineer gives particulars of a proposed divergence in the outer channel. The proposal—a modification of the plans proposed by Mr Baynes—has alreauy the approval ot the Harbourmaster, pilots, una tnose mostly concerned, and its adoption will encct a saving ol fully six months needless dredging. It is also customary tor vessels entering or leavuig the harbour to lollow tnc proposed channel. Jt appears that the cotitae originally mapped out is needlessly indirect, and evidently an error which Mr Baynes Jiimselt would liave eitueavoured to remeuy had he reJiuuneu in office. \» liy tne Jboard is content to work the uicdge one sunt only, while it is capable 01 being worked continuously six uays per wcck, is a question wlnca the cuairuian may possibly be able to answer. Doubtless the necessity has not arrived tor greater activity, supply being equal to the demand, 'lnc Hoard is composed of gentlemen of acknowledged business ability demonstrated in ptiotic and private lite previous to their election. Iltey may, or may not, lack understanding," but until tne Hoards explanation is given, it would be unfair to charge ic, on circumstantial or incomplete evidence, with such imbecility as your correspondent's letter implies.—! am, etc., . C. H. MASON. "Waimataitai, May 13th, 190 D.