A LIBERAL OFFER.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3018, 29 November 1882, Page 2

A LIBERAL OFFER.

At the Dunedin Harbor Board meeting yesterday, Mr Form a- Wilson wrote as follows : —•“ lam under no obligation to give the Board and tbo public the benefit of my experience without equivalent remuneration, and I cannot, therefore, put the Board in possession of my plans, as they would become public property. I have, therefore, decided to submit to it an offer for the construction of the work as follows :—For the sum of £12,000 I undertake to clear the bar at the Otago beaus to the depth of 28ft at low water and to the full width the tidal flow will admit of, and to maintain that depth of water for a period of five years to the satisfaction of the Board. .1 ask no payment until the work is done, and if the Board will assist me with plant, a corresponding reduction can be made in the cost. The terms of payment to be £oooo on the bar being removed to the stipulated depth, £2OOO three months thereafter, and £IOOO at the end of each year from the date of the contract. These terms should, I submit, be a sufficient guarantee of the bona fides of my offer. I undertake that the passage of vessels during the progress of the work shall not be interfered with, and further undertake to use all available labor and to construct the work with the utmost expedition, so that the same may be completed within eight months, and if completed within that time I would ask a bonus at the rate of £IOOO a month for expedition.” Some discussion ensued on the letter, in which reference wasmiade to a somewhat similar proposal made byMr McKenzie. The following motion by Mr Fish, M.H.8., was carried on the casting vote of the Chairman:—“That this Board is not prepared to entertain any proposition for the improvement of the bar at the Otago Heads unless emanating from professional men, and that Messrs McKenzie and Wilson be informed accordingly.” Mr Burt said he would give notice that at next meeting of the Board he would move that competitive designs should he invited for the improvement of the lower harbor.