D 17
I find it a great convenience that vessels take up a clear and secure berth without an officer having to be detailed for this purpose which formerly was found necessary to prevent them from mooring in the Fairways and other prohibited areas.
The Harbour Moorings consist of 9 A Class, 15 B Class, and 21 C Class Buoys, making a total of 45 Buoys. The 9 A Class Buoys in use during the year averaged 1,985 days rent at $8 per day, the 15 B Class Buoys averaged 3,480 days rent at $6 per day, and the 21 C Class Buoys averaged 6,099 days rent at $4 per day, making a total revenue of $61,156.
A and B Class Buoys are allotted to vessels on application being made by their respective agents 48 hours in advance. C Class Buoys are taken up by vessels on arrival at positions to suit the nature of their trade.
The following particulars show work done and the expenditure for upkeep of Government Harbour Moorings and Buoys for the year 1917--
Buoy Moorings.--During the year 11 Buoy Moorings were lifted and re-laid, viz., 1 A Class, 4 B Class, and 6 C Class, at a cost of $3,170.
Mooring Buoys.--During the year 24 Buoys were repaired, scaled, and painted, viz., 3 A Class, 7 B Class, and 14 C Class Buoys, at a cost of $5,660.41.
Painting of Mooring Buoys.--During the year 6 Mooring Buoys were lifted out of water by contractors, scaled, and painted at a cost of $275.
Paints, Oil, etc.--During the year paints, oils, etc., were supplied for painting Government Mooring Buoys at a cost of $598.78. All Buoys were painted on top and water-line every quarter with the above paints and oil, a total of 152 Buoys being painted during the year at a cost of $240 for labour.
Anchors.--Two 3-tons Mushroom Anchors for B Class Moorings were supplied by contractors at a cost of $1,350.
The total expenditure for upkeep of Government Moorings and Buoys for the year is $11,303.19.
HARBOUR DEPARTMENT,
5th March, 1918.
C. W. BECKWITH, Commander, R.N.,
Harbour Master, &c.