The Evening Star WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1875.

Evening Star, Issue 3728, 3 February 1875, Page 2

The Evening Star WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1875.

There is something very plausible in Mr Cargill’s objection to Iho construction of the steam dredge. It shows that he is wide awake to the necessity for being fully informed on every subject that comes before the Board. Every one will give him credit for advocating so salutary a principle. It is a guarantee to the public that those to whom powers so large are entrusted are determined, at the least, to make a show of zeal in carrying them into execution. It seems, therefore, somewhat ill-natured to cast the slightest doubt upon the wisdom of the course lie, seconded by Captain MTCinnox, thought fit to adopt. The resolution proposed by him and passed, instead of being one calculated to forward the work, is practically a piece of red tapisra, tending to hamper the engineer in his operations. We respect Mr Cargill’s undoubted cleverness, but we by no means agree with all his views, We can hardly suppose that he desires to form an opposition party in the Harbor Board, and therefore it is fair to presume that his idea of its functions is that the members shall be the financiers and marine and mechanical engineers of the concern : the judges of what is to be done and of the means to do it. The case stands thus—The Harbor survey has not been completed, hut enough is known of the nature of the bottom to render it certain that if the work is to be efficiently and quickly done, the most powerful dredge that can be obtained is required. We, with most others, consider the Engineer likely to be a far bettor judge of the capabilities of such a dredge than the Works Committee, Mr Cargill, or Captain MTxixxon. It is not a question of the plan of dredging—that does not in this instance involve the problem of the power of the dredge, nor do we think it is one the committee can decide upon, even when explained to them. It is a question that depends upon survey. Mr Tewsley was perfectly right when he protested against amateur engineering 3 there has been far too much of it in Dunedin. Experience has shown that meddlesomeness on the part of incompetent persons has been the cause of immense loss to companies, Governments, and Boards of Works. Mr Cargill’s motion amounts to this;—As the plan of dredging must depend upon the result of the survey, and us the survey cannot be completed for perhaps several months, no preparation is to be made for beginning operations until the course of the channel, the probable quantity of mud and silt to be raised, and the obstructions to be overcome are ascertained. So that, acting upon ■■ that principle, a machine known to bo absolutely necessary to success, is not to be available for immediate operations, but will have to be made when it ought to be working. With all deference *0 Mr Cargill, this is the very height of extravagance. During the months required for survey, salaries and expenses are going on. Then will come the Engineer’s report, and by that time, if there be an organised amateur engineering opposition to or advocacy of a harbor improvement scheme, there will be a party light of perhaps months more. vVll that time salaries and expenses will be going on. Then there will be a party light about the dredge, and a splitting of straws about whether it shall, at the cost of tin extra, two or three hundred pounds, bo a comparatively useless or really efficient tool. This will involve a - further outlay in salaries and expenses. Probably the smaller outlay Avill be decided upon, under the plea of economy, ami the execution of the work protracted months or even years beyond what was necessary; and this will add yet more to unprofitable outlay in salaries and expenses. The amount ef money that may be wasted in this style of red tape procrastination, if it is continued, may easily amount to the value of two or three dredges, and then Mr Cargill mid the party who act a?. . smictionists will claim to have wateheu over the expenditure of money carefully, and prevented extravagant outlay. The losses through delays of this kind are not merely negative but positive. In all .such works time represents money. It is not merely the increase of cost

unproductive expenses, interest oi money, officers’ salaries, and incidentals; but there is the loss, of the income anil advantage to the town oi the use of the channel, the opening of which has been postponed by such unwarrantable trifling. To sum up our argument, it amounts to this : the Works Committee arc convinced that the most powerful dredge that can he obtained is necessary to harbor improvement, no matter what “system of dredging and disposal of silt ”is adopted. They, therefore, as a matter of economy, of time in getting to work, recommend its being immediately proceeded with. As does every merchant or manufacturer who intends to succeed, the Works Committee 1..v ■ details to the Engineer, wiiu iv.m : •. .•> ;<• be better in his iiauus th...,

resolution of the Harbor Lioai-.i i. ~ practical vote of censure on the Works Committee, and is virtually playing into the hands of those who think their private interest will Ibe served by delaying the work, or through its eventual non-success.