new Reclamation. Rather more than half this quantity may be deposited by Hopper Barges. Although the direct saving in cost may not be very great, it will, in my opinion, be more than sufficient to cover the cost of the requisite plant, and an indirect gain represented by a much larger result from rate of progress, and the earlier completion of the work. If the calculations contained in my report of 9th January last are correct, the parties interested (i.e. the Government and the Letholders) would gain £600,000 or say £100,000 by anticipating the completion of the works by a single year. Even if the amount gained were one half this sum, it would greatly exceed the extra cost of the Plant. Mr. Chater, with whom I have conferred on the subject, has suggested that a further advantage would be obtained by the introduction of Hopper Barges, as their use would tend to prevent strikes among the junk masters, and thus keep down prices within reasonable limits.
5. In Sir John Coode's letter to the Crown Agents of 3rd March last, ("Co. desp. 68 of 1896 April) he estimates the cost of plant is obtained in England at about £60,000 exclusive of the cost of erection here. He states that in the absence of local information he was not in a position to form an exact estimate, and he has doubtless provided for more extensive and costly plant than necessary. It appears to me that...