The water area within the Barbour Limits comprises approximately 7 square miles, of this about one-half is of less depth than 4 fathoms at Low Water; Fairways and special anchorages take up another 1 square mile, leaving only 2 square miles of deep water available for the very large and constantly increasing amount of shipping trading to the Port, and although a depth of 4 fathoms may seem an excessive requirement to-day, there is a universal tendency towards larger and deeper draughted ships, and it is probable that, at no very distant date, a considerable percentage of the shipping of the Port will not be able to do with a lesser depth;
The available deep water anchorage could be increased 50% by increasing by one fathom the depth over the area between Yaumati and Stone Cutters Island.
The following report from Mr. Basil Taylor the Assistant Harbour Master of the result of his enquiries concerning the probable cost of dredging will be of interest. I agree with him that "These figures may or may not be accurate" but being the only information obtainable on the subject I feel bound to include it in this report.
"I have gathered the following facts from Mr. Houston, of Messrs. Punchard & Lowther."
"A hopper dredger, similar to the 'St. Enoch', can be purchased, complete, in England for about £20,000. Preparing her for sea, insurance, and expenses for the passage out, will, including wages, coal, and Harbour and Canal dues, cost another £12,000. Working expenses, while engaged in dredging will come to about £30 per day;"
"Besides this, constant repairs are necessary, which will cost about £8,000 annually, if the Government erected a workshop for the purpose, but if done by the Dock Co. they would cost half as much again. Twice a year a thorough overhaul has to take place, the cost of which it is impossible to estimate. This is all in the way of fair wear and tear,
The water area within the Barbour Limits comprises approxima-
tely 7 square miles, of this about one-half is of less depth than
4 fathoms at Low Water; Fairways and special anchorages take up
another 1 square miles, leaving only 2 square miles of deep water
available for the very large and constantly increasing amount of
shipping trading to the Port, and although a depth of 42fathoms
may seem an excessive requirement to-day, there is a universal ten-
dency towards larger and deeper draughted ships, and it is probable
that, at no very distant date, a considerable percentage of the
shipping of the Port will not be able to do with a lesser depth;
The available deep water anchorage could be increased 50% by increa-
sing by one fathom the depth over the area between Yaumati and Stone
432 Cutters Island..
The following report from Mr. Basil Taylor the Assistant
Harbour Master of the result to his enquiries concerning the proba-
ble cost of dredging will be of interest. I agree with him that
"These figures may or may not be accurate" but being the only infor- mation obtainable on the subject I feel bound to include it in this
report.
"I have gathered the following facts from Mr. Houston,
of Messrs. Punchard & Lowther."
"A hopper dredger, similar to the "St. Enoch", can be purchased, complete, in England for about £20,000. Preparing her for sea, insurance, and expenses for the passage ont,
will including wages, coal, and Harbour and Canal dues, cost another £12,000. Working expenses, while engaged in
dredging will come to about £30 per day;"
"Besides this, constant repairs are necessary, which
will cost about £8,000 annualy, if the Government erected
a workshop for the purpose, but if done by the Dock Coy. they
would cost half as much again. Twice a year a thorough
overhaul has to take place, the cost of which it is impossi-
ble to estimate. This is all in the way of fair wear and
tear,
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