PRIESTMAN DREDGE FOR PATEA.

Western Star, 20 March 1917, Page 2

PRIESTMAN DREDGE FOR PATEA.

The undermentioned reference to the Riverton dredge is taken from the Dunedin “ Star ” ;

The following are the particulars of tho Priest-man grab dredge which has been purchased by the Patea Harbour Board from the Riverton Harbour Board for the sum of £3,500: —Length 82ft, breadth 22ft, draught when loaded sft, capacity of hopper 80 tons. Tho dredge, which is built of steel, is capable of loading and discharging 240 tons of spoil per day, and was built in 1913-14 in accordance with specifications supplied by Messrs Priestman Bros., London. She is fitted with a Priestman grab dredging crane of the latest pattern, with steam winches for crane and hopper doors. Tho cost of the dredge was originally £5,700, but it is stated that, were the material procurable, it could not now be built under between £B,OOO and £9,000. The dredge is practically new, having done barely 12 mouths’ work. The reason for its disposal is that the work for which it was obtained ha,s been completed, and the Riverton Board have therefore, no further use for it. The purchase of the dredge at £3,500 by the Patea Harbour Board is looked upon by those in a position to judge as something in the nature of a ‘‘gilt-edged” investment for the Patea Harbour ratepayers. It is expected that tho dredge will arrive in Patea in about a fortnight’s time, when the work of clearing the fairway will be commenced immediately.