LETTER PROM THE ENGINEER. The following lottor from tho Engineer was road. Dunedin, August 15, 1877. To tho Chairman Oamaru Harbour Board. Sir — I have tho honour to report that, as requested by the Board, I have submitted to the contractors plan and estimate of cost of proposed extension of No. 2 wharf, and now beg to forward their reply thereto. The onoloaed tracing shows the exact depths of the wharf from the starting point, running seawards, for a distance of 200 foot, and the accompanying estimate is computed accord* ingly. It shows that an additional 50 foot would reach on an average 2 feet doepor than the avorago of. the first 150 feet, and although the contractors are unwilling to accept these calculations as absolutely correct, yet I do not think thore can be much difference in tho result whou the work£is completed. In round numbers the proposed 'extension will cost LlBOO, and if the extra price is al lowed for the caissons, as suggested in the contractor's letter, probably another LlOO will have to be added. Should tho Board decide^tofauthorisojan extension of the wharf, I am of opinion that 50 feet will be sufficient for the present. I hare to report also with reference to the tenders for 7 ton steam crane, that I have got fresh designs and tenders from Messrs Davidson, and Kincaid and M 'Queen, which will be submitted to you at next meeting, and that now both designs comply with tho conditions of specification. It will be seen that Kincaid and M •Queen's tender is still the lowest, and it is now time that the crane should be ordered, so that it may be got ready about the same time as the new wharf is finished. — I am, &c, John M'Gkeoor, Engineer. It was resolved— ¥ hat the recommenda-' tion of the Engineer be adopted, and that the extension of No. 2 Wharf by 50f fc be carried out.
