THE DREDGE MAUI.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3332, 26 September 1911, Page 7

THE DREDGE MAUI.

A SERIOUS DISCOVERY.

HER HULL “ PITTED.”

WAS SHE BUILT TO SPECIFICA-

TIONS?

As the result of the dredge Maiii bein.<T docked at Auckland it was found that the bottom of the vessel was jutted in places. Further information supplied by the dred gemaster at a meeting of the Harbor Board yesterday shows that one place had a. plate jutted when the" vessel was taken over from the builders, and an interesting discussion ensued among members as the result. . The dredgemaster (Mr A. Park) reported that in his opinion there was not sufficient paint on the . shij>’s bottom to resist the action of the sea water, but which could be stopped by frequent cleaning and painting, and also by using a patent paint cement which he tried to get while in Auckland.; On the arrival of the vessel in Auckland from England it was found that, there was a plate at the back end of the ship’s well that was badly pitted, and having some paint cement on .board it was put on. When examined last month the plate was found to be in good order. Mr W. Blakey, at the time of the vessel’s arrival, asked, for permission to put on an extra coat of paint, as he thought there was not enough on her, but he was informed that he was to adhere strictly to the contract.

The chairman said' the Board thought the builders would deliver the dredge in good order, and they did not wish to incur the additional expense of painting. Dr. Collins : What will this economic action' of the Board cost ? The chairman: It will mean that the vessel will have to be docked earlier than usual. I propose to; ask the Board to allow the dtedgeanaster to get some paint cement. - Mr. Brown jpointed out that the cost of the coat of paint would have been £4O according to the dredgemaster, and it would probably cost- the Board £3ooo' to get a new; bottom on the dredge, which would have to be done ultimately. The dredgemaster suggested that the dredge should! be sent to Auckland every six months, and that would cost £IOOO. He would, however, support any motion to. rej>air the dredge. Mr Olark : Was the pitting done before we took over “the dredge ?

The chairman said it was. There was much howling out about the expenses at that time. The Board expected to get the vessel in good order. The motion toi get the dredge was only carried' on his casting vote." Dr. Collins: The old Board deserves to be congratulated on its economy in saving £4o' for the coat of paint. Mr Clark said that- if the dredge was sent out in bad order the firm who built it had a. good reputation, and the Board should write to them and let them know the position. The vessel had been delivered in bad order, and the builders w r ould give some reason. In reply to a question, the chairman saidi the contract was to put on two. coats of paint. Dr. 'Collins: And the Board was advised toi give another. - The chairman : At that time it might not 'have been pitted at all. Mr Brown : Our dredgemaster says it was. You read his report. She was pitted when she first came out. The chairman read from the report the following passage: “On the arrival of the vessel from England it was found that there was a plate at the back end of the ship’s well badly pitted.” Mr Browin: That shows she was pitted when she first, came to Auckland. The chairman: That is quite correct. 'Mr Lysnar said he understood the plates were not up to the standard — they were not even as thick as those on an ordinary trawler. It would stand no bumping at all, and it was very serious to have a boat in the river in such a condition, for they could’ never tell when a hole- might be knocked in it. The chairman said such was not the case, as some of the plates had been dented to such an extent that some of the ribs were bent, and had to be straightened, so that the plates were good. Mr Waclismann: If what Mr Lysnar says is true, it is a very serious thing, and I think we should inquire about it. Mr Lysnarl was told on good authority that the jfiates were not of the required thickness. The chairman moved that Messrs Brown, Lysnar and White be appointed a committee to report at the next meeting.

Dr. Collins: I presume the specifications AA’ere passed by this Board. Mr Clark: She Avas built according to specifications. The chairman: I presume so, but this makes a doubt. Dr. Collins : All the committee has to do is simply to state Avliat the specifications are, but they could not. inform the Board AAdiether the vessel Avas built according to order. The chairman: Why not ? This is a question of plates. The motion Avas put and carried.