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Wise place to provide the plant required for lifting, transporting and setting these eight For Blocks.
I have gone into the matter and recommend that a Steam Tug, two Block Barges and two floating steam derricks Crane be ordered of the Lock Company. The Lock Company offer to supply this plant according to designs prepared under my instructions within a period of 6 to 8 months at the following prices:-
One Steam Tug $14,000
One Contract Crane $16,000
Two Block Barges each $6,760 = $13,520
One Pontoon with Derrick Crane $25,500
Total $53,020 × $56,620
This course would involve serious loss of time and increased outlay. It will however be necessary to order from England a travelling crane capable of lifting eight tons. I propose to prepare forthwith the necessary requisition for transmission to the Crown Agents. This Crane will probably cost about £1,000.
I have &c.
(Signed) W. Brown, Surveyor General
I consider the prices not unreasonable although I hope to be able to obtain some reduction. Considerable saving would be effected by obtaining these crafts from England. On the contrary, such a course...