The Westport Times. TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 1870.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 638, 29 March 1870, Page 2

The Westport Times. TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 1870.

Arrangements for tho execution of river works—works which shall at once protect property in Westport and improve the navigation of the Huller—have been so far advanced that tenders for the formation of granite wing-dams or groins are now called for by the Provincial Engineer. Of this material, which is available in two separate situations in the neighborhood, but most available about four miles up the river, four thousand tons are required, the points of* delivery to be about four chains above the Upper Government wharf and at the end of Gladstone-street. The tenders called for are to be made at a price per ton of stone delivered, and it is suggested or, rather, required by the specifications that the method of delivery should be by barges, whicb shall be floated to the different situations selected, and emptied of their contents under proper engineering supervision, so that the necessary form may be given to the break-water which is in each case to be constructed. It does not appear to enter into the calculations of the Engineer that wooden crates are requisite, as the stone is to be simply discharged over the sides of the barges, but the stones are to be of considerable dimensions so as to secure their being stationary, the lowest limit of weight being a hundred-weight and a half, and the maximum being at the contractor's option above ten hundredweight. Stones of irregular contour are, of course, in such works preferable to those of a rounded form, and provision is made that a sufficient quantity of tbe former shall be supplied. The mode of measurement will be similar to that adopted in ballast lighters, and the barges, built under the inspection of the Harbor Master, will, if desired, be purchased by the Government at the conclusion of the contract, at valuation. By having horses at different stages on each side of the river, it is understood that, without forming towing tracks, the barges may be towed up to " the quarry " without difficulty or great cost, but, of course, if a contractor chooses to employ steam or any other means of propulsion—hydraulic, pneumatic, or aerostatic —he is perfectly welcome to do it. Tenders for the works will be received up to Friday, the 22nd of April next; and let us hope that some persons sufficiently speculative to undertake the labor and the very light risks attached to it will place before the Government some offer which they can have no objections to accept.