THE NEW DREDGE.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 364, 14 March 1902, Page 4

THE NEW DREDGE.

A special committee meeting of the Harbor Board was hold yesterday, io consider what should bo done in regard to the new dredge, the John Townie,y. There were present: Messis Towniey (Chairman), Hepburn, oievwrigiit, \\ innray, Mat-thcwson, and Captain Tucker. The Chairman explained tiiat, though the engineer was fairly satisfied, Captain Cumining still considered that the rudder was not long enough—lft had been added to it. The captain’s decision had been sent to Messrs Anderson, tiro builders, and they replied by telegrapn :

“ Bunt’s lines ami having twin screws prevent her front being easily steered. It only wants care and attention. If your captain not accustomed to twin screws, suggest you get another.” Captain Cummings was willing that another captain should make a trial of tho dredge, but before doing that the sanction of the Board and of the builders’ representative (Mr Turpin) should be obtained. Captain Gumming was anxious that tho boat should be thoroughly tried before being taken over. The dredge would be filled ready for trial by 9.30 on Friday morning. Mr Sicvwright approved of the Chairman’s suggestion. Mr Turpin said that to make a proper

lUOtj 1U IYUO Ulii.UOdcUJ' IIURII ouiw^yuu had had experience with twin screws should steer her. Twin-screw boats wore difficult to handle with the rudder, die had had considerable experience with the Dunedin dredge, and when they got outside with her she ran terribly wild. This dredge was a queen to her. If they had a man who would let the rudder alone and knew how to handle the twin screws, the boat would go through the eye of a needle. To steer her well it was necessary to have speed on. If they went full speed and stopped one engine, she would slew round instantly in hc-r own length. The twin screws wero put in to make the vessel more managoablo in restricted waters. Mr Hepburn agreed that someone experienced with twin screws should be asked to test the vessel. He suggested Captain Binnio as the best man they could get. Ho had had several years’ experience 4-lin Pium •> t ttfiri .enfntu Itnof. Tft WHS

quite true that they could not get good steering on the vessel unless speed was on her. Mr Turpin said Captain Butt brought the vessel in all right at dead low water. Captain Tucker wanted to know what was the Board’s position. Had they not been meddling too mncli'? Bid the contractors say the vessel was complete '? It seemed to him that it devolved upon the builders to employ Captain Biunie. Mr Siovwiight said the Board had to be satisfied as weil as the builders. The latter were anxious to show slio was a good boat, and the Board were anxious to got her to work. Captain Tucker said it was not for the Board to prove the boat was good, but for tho contractors. The Board bad their own captain, who said the vessel would not steer. Mr Siovwright : Wo want to get tho vessel to work. Mr Matthewson : Not at our expense. Captain Tucker said they should say that directly tho vessel was right they would take her over. Mr Sievwright considered there ivas a mutual duty. Suppose the contractoi'3 tested the vessel, and said she was right, would tho Board then bo satisfied ? Captain Tucker still maintained that it was Messrs Anderson who should got

Captain Bennie, but upon whoso report the Board would place much reliance. The Chairman read a clause of tho contract stating that in case of dispute it should be mutually arranged by tho arbitrators. Mr Whinray proposed and Mr Sievwright seconded : —“ That Captain Bennie be requested, Mr Turpin assenting, to try the steering qualities of tho dredge, and to report.” Mr Turpin said it was hardly necessary for him to telegraph to Messrs Anderson again. He was satisfied to leavo it in the Board’s hands, trusting to their honor to give him tho best man, and the result would bo submitted to Messrs Anderson. If they considered the report not favorable, then probably tho matter would have to go to arbitration. Captain Tucker moved as an amendment, seconded by Mr Mattiiowson, “That Messrs Anderson bo informed that tho

Board suggest Captain Biunie, now in charge of a twin-screw boat, as ono quite competent to tost the steering qualities of the dredgo.” The amendment was carried, Messrs Siovwright and Whinray dissenting. In regard to the insurance of the dredge it was stated that the South British Insurance Company had agreed to take a risk of 1:4000 at 5 per cent. ; the Alliance quoted 8 per cent. Captain Tucker : Why should we throw dfkiOO a year away '? Mr Sievwright thought that for the first year, until they knew more about the boat, they should have a cover. It was agreed to leave the matter over for a full meeting.