STEAM DREDGE FOR THE WANGANUI RIVER.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4402, 29 April 1875, Page 3

STEAM DREDGE FOR THE WANGANUI RIVER.

(From the Wanganui Chronicle.) In reply to a letter from W. H. Watt, Esq., to the Provincial Secretary, on the above subject, the following correspondence has passed: — 11 Superintendent’s Office, “Wellington, April 15, 1875. •i Referring to your letter of the Bth of March last, addressed to the Provincial Secretary, on the subject of the working of the snag punt in the Wanganui River, and suggesting that a dredging machine should be procured for the purpose of deepening, &c., certain portions of the river, I beg to state, in reply, that it was forwarded by me to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, with a request that Mr. Blackett’s report might be obtained thereon ; and I now forward you a copy of that gentleman’s report, for your information. —I have, &Ca ’’ “ William Fitzherbebt, “ Superintendent. “ W. H. Watt, Esq., Wanganui.” “ Public Works Office, “Wellington, April 7, 1875. Memorandum for the Hon. the Minister for Public Works. “ Re letter of his Honor the Superintendent of Wellington, enclosing a letter from W. H. Watt, Esq., on the subject of a dredging machine for Wanganui River. “ I have not exact information as to the prices of dredging machines of the size required, but should think that the sum stated by Mr. Watt would be insufficient, as, besides the actual machine, it will be necessary to provide barges and a steamer to tow them to and fro. ■* «It would perhaps be preferable to order a hopper dredge—that is, one which would discharge the dredged material into its own hold, and afterwards carry it out to sea and there deposit it, thus avoiding the use of barges and steam power for towing them. “ I should recommend that estimates of the cost of such a dredge be obtained from England before any action be taken, unless there is a certainty of the necessary funds being forthcoming. The letter of inquiry should state the depth of water to be dredged, viz., I2ft.; the material to be dredged, viz., sand ; the .chances of the buckets catching embedded drift logs; the method of disposing of the material, viz., carrying it out to sea; the chances of the dredge being employed also on the bar in moderate weather ; and that such a

dredge as will answer these requirements be (■■made of the least size, and at the least cost Compatible with substantial workmanship and efficient working. “ The process of dredging will no doubt be attended with beneficial results in the Wanganui River ; and after a channel has been opened by this means, and the removal of snags now going on, it might be maintained by dredging, and kept in place by means of low training walls, the extent of which may be hereafter determined and their cost estimated; this, however, may form the subject of a future memo. “ The probable cost of a dredge as above described may be taken at about £6OOO. “(Signed) John Blackett.”