THE HARBOR DEPARTMENT.

Evening Star, Issue 3234, 2 July 1873, Page 3

THE HARBOR DEPARTMENT.

We make the following extracts from Capt. Thomson's annual report: — Channels.—With reference to the depth of water at present in the channel from the Heads to Dunedin, I find that such information would be a recapitulation of my annual report thirteen years ago : sufficient to say that instead of vessels of 700 tons as the largest then, we have them of 2,100 register frequenting this harbor now, and that much larger vessels still may be brought with perfect safety to Port Chahuers. Practically, then, it has been shown that this is a first-class harbor, and that its supposed limited capabilities held by some have been altogether visionary; indeed, its excellent harbor has much to do with Dunedin occupying its present position as the first commercial city in New Zealand. Wharves, &c. —The railway pier since it was opened for traffic, has been almost constantly liiied on both sides with vessels of large tonnage, and provides only about one-half of the accommodation required, but I look forward to the contemplated along the Bhore being finished before the next summer's throng, and a steam tug procured, which is just as necessary in connection with the pier as the locomotive is with the line ; indeed, a considerable amount of passenger traffic has been lost to the railway for want of one. The traffic at the Rattray steeet wharf has so increased, that to meet the present requirements, an extension of same of at least 200 ft is necessary, and should be carried out at once in order to remove the inconvenience the shipping and mercantile interests at present labor under. A portable steam crane is also very much wanted on this wharf. In conclusion, as the Sunday traffic to and from the railway has given much more work to the officers of the harbor department stationed at Port Chalmers, 1 would respectfully recommond that they be remembered when the salaries are voted; and here I may also say that it would be no new thing, as the Sunday traffic in this harbor is thoroughly established, to levy an additional tonnage due for such priA'ilege, the proceeds to be used in aid of the Benevolent institution. Such a tax is levied on the shspping in the Baltic ports. Light-ship. Our steam packet system now demands that a light should be exhibited at night at the turning point in the Lower Harbour, known as the Timaru bank, in consequence of the frequent urgency for the immediate arrival and departure of steamers by night or day. In order then to avoid the undue risk of grounding and consequent damage that masters run at present, ancfenable them to steer their vessels with safety in the darkest nights, I would urge the necessity for the establishment of a light-ship at the point referred to. The cost of vessel properly fitted would not exceed L3OO, and the annual maintenance of some Ll2O. Dredging. —After thorough repairs to the hull and machinery of the dredge, which were absolutely necessaiy, dredging operations were commenced at Port Chalmers on the 15th January last, and continued when weather permitted, till the 22nd March, working during that period forty-eight days and lifted 9,270 cubic yards of stuff, which cleared the way for vessels getting alongside of the railway pier; but the ground at the upper part of the pier must be gone over again, in order that vessels drawing eighteen feet may lie afloat at low water. On the 25th March last dredging operations were commenced at Rattray street wharf, and till date worked twenty-seven days at tide time, lifting during that time 5,580 cubic yards. Most of the cutting has been on the original bottom ; and the basin for swinging vessels in, which was too small, is now double the former area, and I am hopeful that within two months the whole of the works to the end of the training wall will be completed. The cost of dredging, without a steam tug to tow the punts, is Bjd, and with a steam tug per cubic yarti, besides a gain by the latter of 60 per cent, on the day's work by the former plan, clearly showing that a dredge without a steam tender is incomplete. I would therefore \ respectfully recommend that a steamer of I twenty horse-power be purchased for the work; the cost would be about L 1,700. The side dredge is very useful, cutting where the big dredge cannot go, but th« cost of the work done by it is Is 2d per cubic yard. At the same time it will be remembered that the late Mr Grieves was the successful tenderer in several contracts to dredge at Jetty street jetties; that the price of his fust contract was 2s 2d, afterwards3s per cubic yard, and the work-was done by him with a similar dredge.

An lowa girl, by way of a fourth attempt to commit suicide, cut her throat in twentyone places with a razor. The Latest.—Just as we are going to press a ruffian, half-clad and bareheaded, rushed into our office ; he said he had thought of a good joke, and it settled upon him so that he could not get it off his mind. Seeing his deplorable situation, and fearing for the little sanity he had left, we took his troublesome jokelfct. It was: “Any port in a storm, as the tall girl said when she accepted the small'cove.” Fancy a little thing like that lying on a man’s conscience like a tin of potted lobster.