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PUBLIC WORKS REPORT.
Sessional Papers of the Province of British Columbia
British Columbia. Legislative Assembly
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REPORT OF THE CHIEF COMMISSIONER OF LANDS AND WORKS FOR THE Province of British Columbia, FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER, 1882. VICTORIA: Printed by Richard Wolfendes, Government Printer, at the Government Printing Office, James' Bay. 1883. 19 46 Vio. Report op Public Works. 273 REPORT OF THE CHIEF COMMISSIONER OF LANDS AND WORKS FOR THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER, 1882. To the Honorable Clement F. Cornwall, Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of British Columbia. May it please Your Honor: Herewith I beg respectfully to submit the Annual Report of the Department of Lands and Works. ROBERT BEAVEN, Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works. Lands and Works Department, Victoria, B. C, Slst December, 1882. 46 Vic Public Works Report. 275 REPORT OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS, WORKS, ROADS, &c., &c. Victoria City District. Public School. An addition has been made to the Public School building by constructing a portion of the central block, adjoining the west wing erected in 1875. The portion built this year, although only one story in height, has been erected in such a manner as to enable the second story to be added without difficulty. Government Buildings, James' Bay. Expenditure upon these buildings has been unimportant during the past year. The grounds have been kept in good order. Additional drains have been laid to enable the western boundary to be planted with trees and shrubs, former efforts to beautify that portion having been unattended with success. Government House. This building has been extensively repaired, the furniture largely renewed, and the grounds cultivated and improved. The green-house has been re-glazed and painted, and additional hotbed frames provided. The stables and adjacent buildings have been cared for and the drainage improved. If the gas and water mains of the city were extended to the building, it would add much tojts comfort as a residence and eventually effect a saving in annual expense. Victoria District. The main roads, and their connections with Victoria City, were maintained by contract up to the 30th June last, by the same parties and upon the same conditions as have been particularized in previous Reports. Grading, ditching, gravelling, &c, &c, upon the various cross roads in North and South Saanich has been continued as in past seasons. A steep grade on the Saanich road, near the city boundary, has been eased by cutting down the hill and filling in the hollow. Early in the season the Burnside and Prospect Lake road was partially graded and otherwise placed in a fair condition for travel. Repairs of the usual nature have been made to the Ross Bay, Foul Bay, Cadboro Bay, Gordon Head, Cedar Hill, Burnside, Carey's, and other roads in the district. Some necessary repairs have been made to the wharf at North Saanich. A new bridge^ has been built across the Gorge, Victoria Arm, placed almost directly over and about six feet higher than the old bridge, which on removal was found to be much decayed and unsafe for traffic. The new bridge is an open arch-beam, bow-string truss, of 100 feet clear span, supported at either end by open crib abutments. The road on each side of the Gorge is being much improved, and approaches with light gradients formed. Additions and repairs have been made to the school-houses in North and South Saanich. 276 Public Works Report. 1882 Esquimalt District. General repairs have been made where required to the roads throughout Esquimalt Electoral District. Grades have been improved, gravel and metal renewed, &c, &c, the greater part of the appropriation being expended upon the Metchosin, Sooke, Highland District and Happy Valley roads, and upon the trail from Vine's to Sooke Bay. _ A portion of the latter has been cleared and graded, with a view of converting the trail into a wagon road. Small expenditures have also been made upon other roads in the district. The trussed span of the Sooke River bridge, which had deflected somewhat from its proper vertical and horizontal position, has been repaired and secured by a wire cable guy. Bad piles in Point Ellice bridge have been replaced by new ones, and the planking and hand-railing repaired. It will probably be necessary to provide new stringers and covering throughout for this bridge next season. A suitable fence has been placed round the new school-house at Esquimalt town, and a wood shed built. ' ■ Goldstream and San Juan River Trail. Early in the spring, this trail was cleared of fallen timber and repaired where necessary. Several parties of miners have thus been enabled to prospect that section of the island. Cowichan District. The Trunk road in North and South Cowichan, and the roads in different parts of the district, have been repaired as far as practicable. Decayed timber in the Kokasailah straining beam bridge has been replaced with sound, and the bolts all properly screwed up. The Clem- clem-aluts bridge, near the Indian reserve, though repaired during both of the past seasons, was again becoming unsafe, in part caused by damage received from drift during freshets; to remedy which some of the bents have been removed, and a larger central span, with straining beam truss, substituted. Nanaimo District. Existing highways throughout Nanaimo District have been maintained under the superintendence of Mr. Alexander Easson. In some instances improvements have been made by widening the roadway, reducing steep grades and by cutting off bends. General repairs have been made to the Departure Bay, Wellington, Victoria, Englishman's River, and other roads. Contracts were let for forest-clearing, grading, &c, &c, on the Cedar District roads. A two-story addition has been made to the Nanaimo Court House. The fence surrounding the Girls' School has been substantially repaired and painted. Some necessary fixtures have been furnished for the building. Needed repairs have been made to the Boys' School, and the building painted inside and out. Comox District. General repairs have been made to roads, bridges, and culverts in various parts of the settlement, more particular attention being paid to those sections .over which most of the farm produce is conveyed. New piles have been driven in the wharf and approach to replace those destroyed by the marine worm and planking and braces renewed where necessary. The settlers on Denman Island, at a public meeting, agreed upon the manner in which that portion of the Comox District appropriation set aside for their roads could be most usefully expended, and selected Mr. Thos. H. Piercy to act for them. Accordingly tenders were invited and the works required to be done let out in small contracts. Measures have been taken to repair Denman Island school-house, and to provide necessary seats and desks. New Westminster District. The construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway from the terminus at Port Moody created a demand for means of communication between that point and New Westminster City. The North or Port Moody road, which had not been used for several years, was greatly out of 46 Vic. Public Works Report. 277 repair and necessitated a large expenditure to make it passable. This, under the circumstances, was attempted by the department, but an additional appropriation will be necessary before the road will be suitable for the traffic. Bridges, culverts, and bad places upon the Hastings road, and upon the North Arm and Granville road, have been renewed and repaired, as far as the means at the disposal of the department have admitted. Needed repairs have been made to the Pitt River and other roads. A portion of the appropriation ($250) has been granted to the Municipality of Maple Ridge, to aid in the construction of a road along the line between Townships 9 and 12. A Bow-string truss bridge has been built across the Coquitlam river, at the crossing of the Pitt river road. This bridge has a single span of 120 feet, supported by abutments formed of double rows of piles, and has been placed about five feet above extreme high water mark. Two former bridges at this place were carried away during freshets, to avoid a repetition of which the present structure was designed. Early in the season tenders were invited and a contract let for the erection of a new public school-house in New Westminster City. The building, which is situated nearly in the centre of the school reserve, is a two story frame, enclosed with rustic siding and hard finished inside throughout the lower story. The upper floor remains unfinished for the present. When completed the building will contain four large school rooms and a small class room, and will have floor space for about 200 pupils. Wide halls will serve for hat and cloak rooms. The Asylum for the Insane has been kept in proper repair, and the water supply looked after and improved. Some necessary work in connection with the new school-house at Chilliwhack has been done, as desired by the Trustees. Seats and desks have been furnished for Langley Prairie School. Satisfactory arrangements have been made for repairing some of the more urgently required portions of the Trunk road between Ladner's and Hope, within the Municipalities of Delta, Surrey, Langley, and Chilliwhack. Yale District. The appropriation for public roads in this district was apportioned to the sub-districts in sums proportionate to their respective requirements, and the different District Agents instructed to have the work carried out. Repairs to various existing highways have been made. The Cache Creek-Savona and Okanagan road and the Thompson-Nicola wagon road have been maintained in fair condition for traffic. The Hope-Similkameen trail has been cleared of fallen timber and otherwise repaired for the passage of cattle. In the Spallumcheen valley repairs have been made to the Salmon River and to the Okanagan Lake roads. A new road has been opened up for the Pleasant Valley settlers, which at present affords a good winter outlet. The trail from Okanagan Mission south towards the Boundary Line has been placed in fair condition. A charter has been granted to Mr. J. B. Leighton, for a t,erm of five years, for the maintenance of a ferry across the Thompson river at Savona's, in which it is agreed that he shall furnish a suitable scow and all necessary appliances, maintain the same in good order, and operate the ferry without any cost to the Government. In consideration for which he is to retain all tolls which may be collected under a fixed schedule. The new Government buildings in the town of Yale, which were under construction at the date of the last Public Works Report, have been completed and prove quite satisfactory for the purpose they were designed. The Court room and different offices have been suitably furnished. Lillooet District. The new Dog Creek road, upon which work was commenced two years ago, has been completed. The usual annual repairs have been made to the Haller, Clinton, Lillooet, and other roads and trails. Bridge River and Cayoosh Creek bridges, which were built in 1876 to replace those destroyed by the floods of that year, were carried away by last summer's freshets. They were both expensive bridges of from 70 to 80 feet span. 278 Public Works Report. 1882 Cariboo District. The more important roads and trails in this district have been repaired. In many places old bridges and corduroying have been replaced by new, and bad grades and narrow places improved. Trails from Soda Creek to Beaver Lake, and from Beaver Lake to Quesnelle, have been cleared of fallen timber. Work has been done upon the Williams Lake road, and upon Snow- shoe, Antler, Grouse Creek, and Lowhee trails The Omineca trail has been cleared and opened up for traffic. The trail from the Forks of Skeena to Manson Creek, Omineca, has also been cleared of fallen timber. Main Trunk Road—Yale to Barkerville. Last June the water in the canons of the Fraser arose 8J feet higher than during the memorable freshet in 1876. The damage to the wagon road between Yale and Spence's Bridge was consequently greater. Important bridges were carried away, cribbing floated out, and as the water receded it was ascertained that the roadway was undermined in places and in others entirely gone. The Anderson river bridge was completely wrecked and the Alexandra suspension bridge at one time in great danger. The contractor for these sections, Mr. J. B. Henderson, was urged to take prompt action to repair the damage. The superintendent, Mr. Black, reported on 22nd June that the water was then over the road at the 16, 19, 20, and 29 mile post, and that at certain points between Nicomin and Spence's Bridge the Thompson river had overflowed the roadway, and that it would be probably two weeks before the water had sufficiently receded to enable the work of repair to commence. On 18th July the road was open for pack animals, and on llth August heavy loaded teams passed the Alexandra bridge with merchandise for the upper country. The Anderson river bridge was not, however, rebuilt. A temporary bridge had been erected and heavy merchandise was ferried across by scow, the road between Yale and Boston Bar being passable but unfinished. On the 16th August the water in the Fraser again arose and floated out the temporary bridge at Anderson river. On the 22iid, Mr. Black replaced the bridge, and ferrying at that point ceased. Railway construction had tended to materially damage this road. In many places it has been narrowed by slides and falling rock breaking off the outside edge; in others railway embankments materially lessen its width. Mr. Black reports that deviations made by the railway contractor have been left in an unsatisfactory condition, and that many representations on the condition of the roadway have proved ineffectual. Under the circumstances, the necessity of adopting more effectual measures is forced upon one. Cassiar District.. Mr. George Dougherty was dispatched by the first steamer going north last spring, with instructions to open up and generally repair the main trail from Glenora to Dease Lake, so as to enable miners, packers and others to get their freight in to the mines without delay. Necessary repairs have also been made to trails and bridges hi McDames Creek, Thiberts Creek, Dease Creek, and Dease Lake sections. Obstructions to navigation on Dease River have been removed as far as McDames Creek Landing. Three new bridges have been built on the Stickeen trail, between Glenora and Telegraph Creek, and the piers of Taltan bridge repaired and secured. The Assistant Commissioner, A. W. Vowell, Esq., reports that no complaints touching trails or bridges in his district have been made this season, except concerning the trail from Glenora to Telegraph Creek, which causes dissatisfaction on account of its steep grades, which can only be remedied by making a new trail along the banks of the Stickeen river at a considerable expense. Kootenay District. Early last spring, instructions were forwarded to the Government Agent at Kootenay to open up the more important trails as soon as the season would permit, and to carry on work in progress last year. A bridge has been built across Bull river, on the Fort McLeod and Kootenay trail, and the road cut out and improved between that point and Elk river, which 46 Vic Public Works Report. 279 was bridged last year. Fallen timber has been removed and bridges, some of which were destroyed by fire, repaired and replaced, on the Mooyia, Walla-Walla, and other trails. A new lock-up has been built. Particulars of the works above mentioned and other details are subjoined. Victoria City District. Additions to the Public School, Victoria. W. S. Wraight, Contractor, $5,983. John Teague, Architect and Superintendent. To furnish all material and labour required to erect and complete a one-story brick building, with stone foundation, adjoining the west wing of the Public School. The new addition covers an area of over 4,000 square feet. The foundation and walls are constructed to correspond with the original design. The door and window sills, the window skew-backs and key-stones are made of the best quality cut free stone neatly worked. The sides of opening for front entrance are of dressed granite. The plinth course is cemented and painted. The roof deck is covered with the best quality of roofing tin and well painted. Earthenware drain pipes, 4-inch diameter, with all necessary junctions, bends, &c, have been laid. The outbuildings and adjacent fences removed and re-erected, old cess-pits disinfected and filled up. The interior is hard-finished throughout and divided by partitions into three large schoolrooms, a broad hall, and two cloak rooms. The walls of the rooms are wainscoted all round, and have black-boards above. Water is laid on, and a lavatory with all necessary fittings put up in each of the cloak rooms. The exterior and interior wood and metal work has been painted as specified. All the material used and the workmanship in the various branches is first-class. This contract also included certain repairs to the old school building, including painting all the metal work of the roof and the plinth course, repairs to water conductors and ventilators. Legislative Assembly Latrine, &c. Wm. Constantine, Contractor, To provide all labour and material required, except for excavating cess-pit, and to construct a latrine in rear of the Legislative Assembly building to correspond in every respect with that in rear of the Supreme Court House. To remove lattice screen and alter steps at the back of the Assembly building. To disinfect the old cess-pit, and to make certain necessary alterations and repairs in connection with the above work. Government House Repairs. M. Humber, $200. To cement the outside wall of the tower and point the top with Portland cement mortar. To cement the chimneys. To repair the rough-casting on the outside and the plastering in the interior of the building, and to re-set the kitchen range. General repairs have been made throughout Government House, consisting of re-shingling and repairing portions of the roof, replacing defective flooring, repairing windows and doors, renewal of bolts and locks, setting scullery sink, renewal of wooden drains, &c, &c; repairs to gutters, valleys, flushings, water pipes, and bell wires, plumbing, kalso- mining, painting, varnishing, paper hanging, &c, &c. 280 Public Works Report. 1882 Victoria District. Gordon Head Road Repairs. Noel LeClair, Contractor, Grubbing and clearing 770 yards, 20 feet wide. Grading 770 yards, 16 feet wide. Ditching 1,550 yards, 2 feet wide, 10 inches deep. Filling up ruts and holes, 187 yds. Ross Bay Road Repairs—(Near Mr. Langley's.) Willis Bond, Contractor, $380. Grading, 200 yards, 22 feet wide. Grading, 67 yards, 24 feet wide. Earth excavation, 370 cubic yards. Rock excavation, 50 cubic yards. Grubbing out three trees, filling up ruts and holes with gravel. Two box drains, 10 by 12 in. by 40 feet. Willis Bond, $24. To put in a box drain 30 feet long and dig 187 yards of ditch near the Cemetery. Saanich Road—Grading—(North of City boundary.) J. Haggerty, Contractor, $475. Grading, 250 yards, 22 feet wide. Excavation, 1,050 cubic yards. Metaling, 250 yds., 4 in. deep, 16 feet wide. Gravelling, 250 yards, 4 in. deep, 16 feet wide. Embankment made with material from excavation; side slope, 1|- to 1. New culvert of 4 in. plank, 12 by 24 in. by 40 feet. Approach to Topaze Avenue. Graded, metalled, and gravelled. Gorge Bridge. D. F. Adams, Contractor, $1,075. To furnish all plant, material, and labour required to build a bridge across the Gorge, Victoria Arm, as per plans and specifications. The design is an improved bow-string truss, in one span, with open crib abutments. Span, 100 feet; !■%.<> Radius of arches, 91 feet; Versed sine, 15 feet; Camber, 6 inches; Clear width of roadway, 15 feet; -^r^ ' lLt Gross weight of superstructure, 50,000 lbs.; Sustaining power, per square foot of floor, 150 lbs. The arches are formed by two strands of 5-inch by 13-inch plank separated by 5-inch thick packing pieces placed at the junction of each suspension rod, bolted together, ■and spring from cast-iron shoes on top of chords. The chords, two in number, are each 114 feet long and formed of two members of 5-inch by 15-inch lumber, placed 3 inches apart, scarfed, keyed, and bolted together, with white lead joints and bearings. Main braces (double), 4 inches by 8 inches; Counter braces (single), 4 inches by 8 inches; Chord and head braces, 4 inches by 6 inches; Floor joints, 21-inch centres, 3 inches by 12 inches; • Flooring, 3-inch plank laid diagonally; Suspension rods, 1| inches in diameter upset; Lateral rods, | inch diameter ; Bolts, nuts, washers, gibs, &c, as specified. Main, counter, and lateral braces bear against cast-iron angle blocks. The whole of the iron work has been painted with two coats of red lead paint. It will be advisable to paint the wood work of the superstructure as soon as the timber has become seasoned and dry. 46 Vic Public Works Report. 281 Gorge Bridge Approach, Victoria side. Samuel Morrow, Contractor, $226. To grade the road, on the Victoria side of the Gorge Bridge, for a distance of 70 yards, 22 feet wide; deepest cutting, 4 feet 10 inches; side slopes, 1 to 1; excavations, 727 cubic yards. Earth excavated to be hauled across the bridge to form an embankment on the Esquimalt side. Metaling new grade with broken stone, 10 inches deep and 12 feet wide. North Saanich School Addition. A. Copeland, Contractor, $313. To take down and remove the rear wall of the old school-house and build an addition thereto measuring 18 feet by 24 feet, of similar construction and material as the old building; to put up a new brick flue, extending 4| feet below line of ceiling; to wainscot new room all round to a height of 3 feet, and finish walls, to 3 feet above wainscoting, with blackboard surface; to construct a teacher's platform; to paint the interior wood work two coats, and to whitewash the exterior. South Saanich School Repairs. C. T. Penwill, Contractor, $303. To take down and remove the partition in school-room, and make good the openings left in walls and ceiling; to lay a new floor with 1-inch by 4-inch T. and G. lumber over the old floor; to remove the siding from the front of building and to construct a porch addition 8 feet by 18| feet, with hipped roof; to close in porch and exposed part of front with rustic siding; to divide the porch, by partitions, into two cloak rooms and a hall; to supply doors and windows and make new steps to entrance, and to paint the whole of the new wood work, exterior and interior, in two-coat work. Repairs, North and South Saanich Cross-Roads. Peter Imrie, Superintendent. Waine's Cross-Road. Grading, 30 yards, 18 feet wide; gravelling, 140 yards, 10 feet wide, 6 inches deep; and general repairs throughout. School Cross-Road. Grading, 50 yards, 18 feet wide; gravelling, 200 yards, 10 feet wide, 6 inches deep; holes and ruts filled and ditches opened up. Mount Newton Cross-Road. Grading, 460 yards, 18 feet wide; gravelling, 600 yards, 9 feet wide, 5 inches deep. Herbert's Road. Grading, 75 yards, 18 feet wide; 300 yards of sleigh road made. Brown's Cross-Road. Grading, 230 yards, 18 feet wide; gravelling, 379 yards, 9 feet wide, 6 inches deep, and general repairs. Penwill's Road. Grading, 440 yards, 14 feet wide; gravelling, 240 yards, 8 feet wide, 5 inches deep. Burnside and Prospect Lake Road. Samuel Morrow, Foreman. Forest clearing, grubbing, grading, gravelling, corduroying, making culverts, blasting- rock, and generally improving the road between Mr. Rickets and Prospect Lake, a distance of about 1| miles. 282 Public Works Report. 1882 Carey's Road. Richard Corr, Foreman. Grading, gravelling, cutting down hill, and general repairs. Cadboro Bay Road. R. Copeland, Foreman. Gravelling, 1,152 yards, 8 feet wide, 5 inches deep; breaking and removing projecting stones, &c. Cedar Hill Road. R. Copeland, Foreman. Gravelling, 1,007 yards, 10 feet wide, 5 inches deep; repairing culverts, &c, &c. Foul Bay Road. R. Copeland, Foreman. Gravelling, 1,138 yards, 10 to 12 feet wide, 6 inches deep; ditching, 1,770 yards; making 3 culverts; cutting out brush, &c, &c. General Repairs. In addition to the above work various small bridges and culverts have been repaired, fallen trees removed, and other necessary work done to roads throughout the district. Esquimalt District. Metchosin Road, Improvements near Craigflower. James Baker, Contractor, $372. To cut down a hill 56 yards in length; deepest cutting, 3 feet; side slopes, 1 to 1; excavation, 281 cubic yards; to form an embankment, 98 yards in length, with material from cut; grading, 154 yards, 22 feet wide; metalling, 154 yards, 12 feet wide, 6 inches deep; gravelling, 154 yards, 12 feet wide, 6 inches deep; gravelling, 433 yards, 12 feet wide, 5 inches deep; 1 new culvert, ditches cleaned out, &c. Repairs to Metchosin Road, between Parker's and Gleed's. George Cook, Contractor, $185. To form and grade 298 yards, 16 feet wide; gravelling, 298 yards, 10 feet wide, 6 inches deep; ditching, 349 yards, 2 feet wide, 10 inches deep; repairing and re-covering culverts; removing trees, and grubbing out roots, &c, &c. Repairs to Happy Valley Road. John Haggerty, Contractor, $235. Grading, 79 yards, 18 feet wide, from 2 to 3 feet high; grading, 226 yards, 16 to 18 feet wide; gravelling, 141 yards, 10 feet wide, 6 inches deep; culvert, 2 feet by 1J feet by 20 feet; ditching, 100 yards. Gorge Bridge Approach (Esquimalt side). Samuel Morrow, Contractor, $225. To cut down and grade a hill on the Esquimalt side of the Gorge bridge, 53 yards in length, 22 feet wide; average depth of cutting, 2 feet; side slopes, 1 to 1; excavation, 340 cubic yards. To form an embankment, 50 yards in length, with the material taken from the cuts, on each side of the bridge. The depth of filling at the bridge is 6 feet; embankment, 24 ft. wide on top ; side slopes, 1J to 1. Metalling, 103 yards, with broken stone, spread 12 feet wide and 10 inches deep. Cribbing and retaining logs, &c, &c. School Fence, &c, Esquimalt. D. F Adams, Contractor, $145. To do all necessary clearing and grading along the line of fence, and to furnish all material and labour required to construct a fence and wood-shed. The front fence, 80 feet in length, to be made of dressed lumber, pickets in two lengths, posts moulded and capped, &c.; a suitable entrance gate to be constructed. The rear and side fences, 263 feet in length, to be made with undressed pickets, 5 feet long. 2 by 4 in. rails, three in number; 6 by 6 in, cedar posts ; 1 by 2 hi. batten; pickets pointed, &c. To put up a wood-shed, 10 by 12 feet, with rough lumber, as specified. Repairs to Sooke Road. Samuel Morrow, Foreman. Grading, 578 yards, 14 feet wide; macadamizing, 20 yards, 10 feet wide, 5 in. deep; gravelling, 40 yards, 10 feet wide, 5 in. deep; 15 culverts repaired. One bridge, 90 feet long, re-covered with 3-in. plank. General repairs to bridges, filling ruts and holes with stone, cutting out roots, &c. Repairs to Sooke River Bridge. Wm. Rocket, Foreman. Raising west end of the bow-string truss span, and bringing the arch beams into a proper vertical plane; securing the same with wire cables; repairs to planking, chords and braces, &c, &c. Trail from Vine's to Sooke. A. D. White, Foreman. Clearing out fallen logs from the Rocky Point road to Sooke bay. Construction of a sleigh road, commencing at the west end. Forest clearing, 8,393 yards, 15 feet wide; grading, 8,493 yards, 2 to 12 feet wide; 4 bridges, average 99 feet long, 12 feet wide, 5 feet high; 3 culverts, average 36 feet long, 20 feet wide, 2 feet deep ; ditching, 200 yards, &c, &c. Highland District Road Repairs. Arthur Peatt, Foreman. General repairs to the road between Dr. Foster's and Scafe's ; grading side hills, ditching and gravelling, cutting out roots, straightening bends, repairing culverts and bridges, &c, &c. General Repairs. Minor repairs of a general nature have been made upon various roads, bridges, and - culverts from time to time as required throughout the district, Cowichan District. Trunk Road—Repairs (between Evans' and Skinner's.) N. W. Campbell, Contractor, $96. Grading, 383 yards, 18 feet wide ; gravelling, 383 yards, 10 feet wide, 6 inches deep; 2 culverts, 20 by 2 by 3 ft.; forest clearing, <fec. Trunk Road—Repairs (near Mrs. Skinner's). N. W. Campbell, Contractor, $80. Grading, 320 yards, 16 feet wide ; gravelling, 320 yards, 10 feet wide, 6 inches deep ; culvert, 20 by 3 by 2 ft. Grubbing out roots and clearing ditches and tail drains. 284 Public Works Report. 1882 Kokasailah Bridge Repairs. T. B. Shaw, Foreman. Placing two false bents under the bridge to sustain it while the straining beams were replaced by new timbers ; repairing planking, hand-railing and abutments. Clem-clem-aluts Bridge Repairs. T. B. Shaw, Foreman. Constructing a new central span, 90 feet long, 16 feet wide, with straining braces and principals and the necessary iron suspension rods, bolts, gibs, &c, <fec. General repairs to the remaining portion of the bridge, Nanaimo District. Cedar District Road Repairs. Hill & Dolan, Contractors, Forest clearing, 1,000 yards, 24 feet wide ; grubbing, 1,000 yards, 18 feet wide; grading, 1,000 yards, 14 feet wide ; ditching, 2,000 yards; 2 culverts, 1 \ by 3 by 17 feet. Repairing corduroy, &c. Repairs to Road at York's Hill. M. Halloran, Contractor, $50. To grade and form a road from 16 to 18 feet wide out of side hill. To be ditched on the upper side. To put in a culvert 1 by 2 by 18 feet. Girls' School—Fencing, &c. W. M. Hossie, Contractor, $175. To furnish all material and labour required to make good all defective parts of the fence surrounding the Girls' School, and to paint the same inside and out in two-coat work. Coal Box for Girls' School. Henry McAdie, Contractor, $28.50. To supply the necessary material and to construct a coal bin as per plans and specifications, and place the same in the school-yard where directed. Repairs to the Boys' School. W. M. Hossie, Contractor, $185. To repair the flooring of school rooms and verandah, and re-nail the weather boarding where required; to paint all the wood work of the interior and exterior of the building, also the chimneys in one-coat work; to thoroughly repair the out-buildings. Nanaimo Court House Addition. Fletcher & McDonald, Contractors, $937. To furnish all labour and material required to erect and complete a two story addition to the Nanaimo Court House; to build the outside or sea-wall, and the return wall next to Gordon's wharf, with uncoursed rubble masonry, with foundations level stepped upon the rock, also to build rows of piers of rubble, 8 feet centres; to put up the frame and partitions with the sized timbers specified and as indicated on the drawings, and close in the walls with 1 inch by 8 inches dry rustic siding; to lay the floors with \\ inches by 4 inches T. and G. seasoned flooring, to be laid on a level with the floors in the old building; lath and plaster and hard finish the interior; roof and exterior finish to correspond with old building; supply all requisite fittings; paint all the exterior wood work in one coat, and all the interior wood work (usually painted) in two-coat work. 46 Vic. Public Works Report. 285 Repairs to Englishman's River Road. Alexander Easson, Foreman. Forest clearing, 800 yards, 30 feet wide; grading, 800 yards, 14 feet wide; 4 culverts, 16 feet by 2 feet by 1J feet; clearing out fallen timber and underbrush; corduroying and general repairs. Departure Bay Road Repairs. Alexander Easson, Foreman. Forest clearing, 717 yards, 30 feet wide; grading, 467 yards, 19 feet wide; grading, 717 yards, 16 feet wide; gravelling, 200 yards, 16 feet wide, 8 inches deep; cribbing, 400 yards; 1 culvert, 18 feet by 3 feet by 1-| feet. Wellington Road Repairs. Alexander Easson, Foreman. Grading, 300 yards, 30 feet wide; gravelling, 300 yards, 25 feet wide, 6 inches deep; gravelling, 100 yards, 14 feet wide, 6 inches deep; 1 culvert, 31 feet by 4 feet by 2 feet; and general repairs throughout. Victoria-Comox Road Repairs. Alexander Easson, Foreman. Forest clearing, 600 yards, 30 feet wide; grading, 685 yards, 14 feet wide; gravelling, 490 yards, 14 feet wide, 12 inches deep; gravelling, 100 yards, 12 feet wide, 6 inches deep; 1 culvert, 21 feet by 3 feet by 1J feet. Raising one side of Nanaimo River Bridge, and putting in iron truss rods with turn buckle, &c. Building a new bridge across a slough near Nanaimo River, one span of 25 feet, cribbed abutments and approaches. Repairs have also been made to roads and trails in various parts of the district, and on Gabriola Island, Comox District. Repairs to Comox Wharf. A. Milligan, Superintendent. Driving 62 new piles in Comox Wharf, including mooring and fender piles, securing the same with 1-inch iron bolts and lj-inch treenails, and spiking on 30 new sway braces. Repairs to the Principal Roads. A.' Milligan, Superintendent. Section A.—Gravelling, 1,584 yards, 10 feet wide, 6 inches deep; ditching, 747 yards; making 3 culverts, averaging 14 feet by 4 feet by 1^- feet. ■ Section D.—Gravelling, 334 yards, 9 feet wide, 6 inches deep; ditching, 500 yards; ruts and holes filled; stones and roots removed; replacing defective planks in Courtenay River and Slough bridges. Section E.—Cutting down a bad hill; replacing gravel which had been washed away by high water; grading, 200 yards, 16 feet wide; building 5 bridges from 15 to 60 feet long, from 3 feet to 11 feet high; making 2 culverts 14 feet by 2 feet by 1\ feet. General repairs to the Pleasant Valley Road. Repairing 3 bridges and 2 culverts, and doing some grading on the Point Holmes Road. Repairing bridges on the back road. Denman Island Roads. Thos. H. Piercy, Superintendent. Contracts were let to the following parties to make general repairs, as specified, to the worst portions of the roads and trails throughout the Island, viz.:— George McFarlane $85 00 David Pickles 80 00 Robert Swan 12 00 Michael Watt, Jr 42 00 Thomas Pickard 61 00 New Westminster District. Public School, New Westminster City. J. A. Calbick, Contractor, $2,430. To furnish all labour and material requisite to erect and complete a School-house in New Westminster City in conformity with plans and specifications. The ground area of building is 36 by 67 feet. There are two storys, the second floor being unfinished and the stair-case omitted for the present. The first floor is divided by a hall 12 feet wide into two school-rooms each 35 feet by 26|- feet, and 14 feet from floor to ceiling. The frame is constructed in the usual manner, and is enclosed with rustic siding. The interior is hard-finished and is furnished with the usual fittings, including blackboard surface. In the hall there is a double row of hat and cloak hooks. The building is painted outside and inside in two-coat work. School Seats and Desks, &c. J. A. Calbick, Contractor, $250. To furnish all material, construct and place in position in the new school-house, New Westminster City, fifty school desks and seats, as per detailed plans and specification. These seats and desks are made of wood, and each seat is intended to be occupied by two scholars. Also to make a teacher's desk as specified, certain alterations and additions to the fencing, &c, &o. Coquitlam River Bridge. D. F. Adams, Contractor, $2,245. J. McMurphy, sr., Superintendent. The design of this bridge is similar to that built across the Gorge, Victoria Arm, this season, and previously described. Span, 120 feet; radius of arches, 127-| feet; versed sine, 15 feet; camber, 8 inches; width between outside face of chords, 17 feet. The abutments are each formed of a double row of cedar piles driven to the satisfaction of the Superintendent. The up-stream and river side of each abutment is closed in with 2-in. plank securely spiked to the piles. The superstructure spans the river 4 or 5 feet above extreme high water mark, and is approached by bridging 55 feet long on one side and 75 feet on the other, each having an incline of 1 in 10. Vedder Creek Bridge Repairs. Wm. Chadsey, Contractor, $545. This bridge is in course of construction, and will be about 250 feet long. The whole of the superstructure having been carried away by high water, the contractor was required to replace a post in one bent; to drive one fender or raking pile where required ; to drive four piles to form a new bent; to cross-brace each bent with 2 by 10 in. plank securely spiked on; cap the whole of the bents throughout; to furnish and place in position three rows of corbels and stringers; to cover the bridge with split cedar, 4 in. thick ; to put up a hand-railing and make the approaches good, &c, &c. Yale District. Thompson-Nicola Road. A man has been employed during the season to keep this section free from slides, the bridges and cribbing in order, and generally to repair and maintain the road in good condition for traffic. NlCOLA-CoLDWATER BRIDGE. T. Matthews, Contractor, $350. To construct a bridge across the Nicola river, near the mouth of the Coldwater. 46 Vic Public Works Report. 287 The site chosen for this bridge is a short distance from the position occupied by the old one which was carried away last spring by high water. The river is about 60 feet broad, with an island in the centre from which a bent is raised to support the bridge. The stringers, four in number, have been placed high enough to secure the bridge from damages by flood. The contract includes road approaches. Cache Creek-Savona Road. Gravelling, 110 yards, 10 feet wide, 12 in. to 18 in. deep ; road widened, rocks thrown out and ruts filled ; cribbing at hill near Kamloops lake repaired ; shovelling out debris deposited by a water-spout at Rocky Point, from 1 to 6 feet deep and about 1800 yards in length; repairing bridges at Wilson's Flat, Greaves' Creek, and Bates' Flat. The bridge at Rocky Point was entirely renewed. Savona-Okanagan Road. Removing fallen timber from Duck & Pringle's to the head of the lake ; grading near Summit Lake, 1,128 yards, 10 feet wide ; ditching to carry oft' surplus water from Summit Lake ; ruts filled in and breaks in road repaired ; shovelling out slide at Campbell's Hill. Wing-dam constructed to protect Upper Salmon River bridge, and repairs made to Lower Salmon River bridge. General repairs made to the roads and culverts. The road from Kamloops to Nicola, the North and South Thompson and Tranquille roads, have been generally repaired. Lillooet District. Lillooet and Clinton Road. W. Burgess, Foreman. Moving slide out of roadway at the bluff, 4-Mile Point; raising and filling in road bed on west side of Pavilion, near Gillon's, for a distance of 1,200 yards ; ditching on both sides, 2,000 yards; roadway rounded up ; raising approaches to new Grotto bridge, and general repairs. Renewing timbers in 9-Mile Creek and Grotto bridges. New Dog Creek Road. John Williams, Foreman. Grading and forming new road, 1,891 yards, 10 feet wide. Making 1 bridge, 46 feet long, 14 feet wide, 12 feet high. Do. 1 do. 12 do. 6 do. 3 do. Making 3 culverts 12 by 3 by 1|- ft. Do. 1 do. 14 by 6 by 2 ft. General repairs from Dog Creek to 15-Mile Lake, and to roads and trails where required. 20 288 Public Works Report. 1882 Yale-Cariboo Wagon Road. Sections 1 and 2.—Yale to Cache Creek, 110 Miles. Maintained by Mr. J. B. Henderson, Contractor, at $20,000 per annum. Section 3.—Cache Creek to Bridge Creek, 79 Miles. Wm. Boyd, Foreman. Salary, $130 per month. Month. April May June July August ... September October... November. Nature of Work. Making new road, Smith's Lake and Dougherty's Ranch: 7,863 yds. grading, 6 to 18 feet wide 5 yds. gravelling, 14 feet wide, 12 in. deep 120 yds. ditching, 2 by 1 ft 18 feet bridging, covered 121 feet culverts repaired, &c 430 yards cribbing, 3 ft. high General repairs, widening- road, filling in ruts and holes removing stones, ditching, &c Grading, 2,900 yards, 6 feet wide Gravelling, 625 yards, 16 feet wide, 12 in. deep 364 yards ditching, 2 by 2\ feet 710 yards grading, 5 feet wide 210 yards corduroy, 16 feet wide Ditching, 1,058 yards, 3 by 1$ ft 180 yards grading, 12 feet wide 15 yards gravelling, 16 feet wide, 15 in. deep 456 yards corduroy, 16 feet wide 340 feet bridging, covered diagonally 40 yards cribbing, 6 feet high 1,192 yards ditching, 16 in. deep 432 yards grading, 14 ft. wide 346 yards gravelling, 12 feet wide, 6 in. deep , 346 yards corduroying, 16 feet wide 16 feet culvert, 4 by li ft 834 yards ditching, 2 by 1| ft 386 yards grading, 14 feet wide 362 yards corduroying, 16 ft. wide . 594 yards ditching, 2A by 1} feet Forest clearing, 6 miles, 70 feet wide 590 yards grading, 8 feet wide 97 yards corduroy, 18 feet wide 140 feet bridging, covered with 8-in. hewed timber Forest clearing, 4 miles, 66 feet wide Gravelling, 57 yards, 14 ft. wide, 12 in. deep Rebuilding 27 feet length bridging No. of Men. 15 white men. 5 white men. '5 white men. ^13 white men, 6 white men. 7 white men. 13 white men. 7 white men. No. of Days. 297 1033 106i 228i 235 78 Rate per diem. S3 00 to $3 40 ! 00 to $3 25 SI 92 to $3 25 $3 00 to §3 40 46 Vic, Public Works Report. 289 Section 4.—Bridge Creek to Soda Creek. 78 Miles. W. Boyd, Foreman. Month. May June July August ... September Nature of Work. General repairs, cutting- out timber, removing rocks Filling in ruts, holes, &c 1,721 yards grading, 6 feet wide 279 yards gravelling, 12 in. deep 45 yards corduroy, 18 feet wide 24 feet bridging, covered 8-in. hewed timber 123 feet culverts, 3 by 3 to 4 by 9 Ditching, 500 yards | mile forest clearing, 60 feet wide 120 yards grading, 4 feet wide 246 yards gravelling, 14 feet wide, 16 in. deep 170 yards corduroying, 18 feet wide 35 feet bridging covered and new stringers 56 feet new culverts, 3 by 4 560 yards ditching, 2 by 1 ft 65 yards graded, 5 to 10 ft. wide 230 yards gravelling, 14 feet wide, 16 in. deep 1300 yards ditching, 2 by H ft 363 yards grading, 4 ft. wide 831 yards gravelling, 12 feet wide, 14 in. deep 270 feet culverts re-covered and renewed 30 yards ditching, 2^ by 1^ ft 1,215 yards grading, 6 ft. wide 370 yards gravelling, 14 feet wide, 14 in. deep 80 yards corduroy, 18 feet wide 406 feet culverts re-covered and renewed No. of Men. 9 men. 8 men. 8 men. No. of Days. 202 201 74£ Rate per diem. S3 00 to $3 40 J 00 to $3 40 $2 50 to $3 40 $1 92 to $3' 40 $1 92 to;$3 40 Sections 5 and 6, from Soda Creek to Barkerville. 113 Miles. Maintained by W. A. Johnston, Contractor, at $9,968 per annum. 290 Public Works Report. 1882 TENDERS RECEIVED AND CONTRACTS AWARDED. DURING THE YEAR 1882. Nature of Wobk. Victoria Public School Addition Gordon Head Eoad Repairs South Saanich School Repairs North Saanich School Repairs and Addition Grading the Saanich Road "(near the City boundary). Ross Bay Road Repairs , Gorge Bridge Construction. Gorge Bridge Approaches. Metchosin Road Repairs (near the 4-Mile House). Gordon Bay Road Construction, Metchosin Road Repairs (between Parker's and deed's) Fencing Esquimalt School Happy Valley Road Repairs W. S. Wraight. S. T. Styles.... Smith & Clark . M. Humber . ... N. LeClair Jas. Baker J. Haggerty Jackson & Dewsnap. C. T. Penwill McKillican & Ander [son A. Copeland C. T. Penwill McKillican & Ander- [son J. Haggerty N. LeClair Jas. Baker P. Gilligan..., Graving Dock—Supply of Brick W. Bond .. N. LeClair. Jas. Baker. D. P. Adams Wm. Rockett J. McMullen Geo. Baker A. Fenney McKillican & Anderson Samuel Morrow . . . N. LeClair Willis Bond Jas. Baker... J. Haggerty.. H. Cathcart.. C. Foreman .. Wm. Calvert. P. Gilligan.. R. Copeland George Cook . D. F. Adams. T. Hagg«rty Chas. Foreman .. W'm. Calvert. ... Edward Newton. A. H. Peatt S. B. Gillispie . M. Humber.. Amount. $5,983 00 6,112 00 7,227 00 7,243 00 382 50 453 00 580 00 750 00 303 00 480 00 313 00 500 00 680 00 475 00 495 00 563 00 3,100 00 380 00 445 00 517 00 1,075 00 1,140 00 1,147 00 1,467 00 1,490 00 1,750 00 451 00 545 00 583 00 372 00 375 00 650 00 673 00 698 00 800 00 1,785 00 185 00 145 00 235 00 385 00 405 00 415 00 435 00 $10.00 per M. 12.50 „ Award. Awarded. Awarded. Awarded. Awarded. Awarded. Awarded. Awarded. Awarded. Awarded. Not awarded Awarded. Awarded. Awarded. Awarded. 46 Vic Public Works Report. 291 Nature oe Work. Graving Dock—Supply of Nut Coal Cowichan District. Repairs to Trunk Road—No. 1 Repairs to Trunk Road—No. 2. Nanaimo District. Girls' School Repairs Boys' School Repairs Cedar District Road Repairs Grading York Hill Nanaimo Court House Addition New Westminster District. Public School Construction Coquitlani Bridge Construction Vedder Creek Bridge Repairs Cariboo District. Government Buildings Supply of Coal and Wood (delivered at Govt. House) .. Do. do. (delivered at James' Bay) ... Name oe Tenderer. W. J. Goepel.. DeWiederhold Thos. Inge J. Pamphlet... N. W. Campbell. Geo. Kier N. W. Campbell. Chas. Jordan W. M. Hosie. Louis Page... J. Swift C. L. Smith.. W. M. Hosie. Louis Page.. . •J. Swift C. L. Smith.. J. Hill & P. Doran. M.'Halloran Fletcher & McDonald G. H. Frost H. McAddie J. A. Calbick .. J. Turner Elliot & Levi.. . Chas. Hayward. D. F. Adams G. H. Baker McKillican & Ander- J. McMullen [son Jas. Cray Wm. Chadsey. A. J. Street. .. I. B. Nason . J. Englehardt Do W. T. Drake W. Walker Hall & Goepel DeWiederho'd & Co. Amount. 54 70 per ton 5 00 „ 5 00 „ 5 25 „ $ 96 00 230 00 80 00 150 00 175 00 178 00 178 00 290 00 185 00 234 00 226 00 210 00 374 cents, per [lineal yard I 50 00 937 00 937 00 1,175 00 2,460 00 2,630 00 2,766 00 2,703 00 2,245 00 2,445 00 2,975 00 3,345 00 3,700 00 545 00 574 00 4,900 00 Coal $7 87i $ ton 7 75 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 Award. Awarded. Awarded. Awarded. Awarded. Awarded. Awarded. Awarded. Awarded. Withdrawn. Awarded. Awarded. Awarded. Awarded. Wood $6 00 # cord 6 00 6 00 6 50 6 50 6 50 292 Public Works Report. 1882 GO CO el % ? & § D e3 H i» W « o =4H Q CO o £ •43 O «! eg CO J § 43 ■"d fl cS h^ SO g £ o ,J3 tf ■iviox i-- CS O rH CO CD f- (NO CM CM i d o »Q rH rH i- :g a O F^ 18 a 8> T-l 4^ o o w hA <D o o ■* CO CD CO pi 3 Da o o o IO : 3 CO M3 O to & O o !>. CO a CM ; rt OS M o5 tH "a CM H* rH <J !" 0 H B t-I CD 4^> EO za IB ►1 si ^ CO CD <ti CO CM -H< t/3 0^ CD CO o H £ (? 43 W c3 (-H O O H o a CO o o d J 1> CM CM rH c3 c3 ? r—1 £ a C3 HH1 QC « ■* IN "ft o D 4= ca a CO ■ a ET1 to H g3 u o •* ** 43 CO o £ -3 • O CO ; > O . © V. 4=> t, o a . w o o : a « ■ K pi nH. . fr.S • rC o ■ S'v • O 1_ Fj C3 ' M k to fc?~ o . £ o Eh +3 o x id •si; o "4-f 43 H a r- c3 . p o oo - 05 l-J - CD m CD 0 t. P 43 N. -— -f3 -+=> 0 a ° cd *—E efl c3 H eg 1 1 o s> a ■"is2 t 43 o 1 £ Q CD o 3 a 6 i t^O rH OS I-CNOCs CM r- OS O CD <M i» « 43 < a CD a 9 CD f 03 t3 CD m CD 02 Stffi H3 bo -emptio tificates tificates 3 CD fH $H C H U CD CD S- PhOOO GRAVING DOCK AT ESQUIMALT HARBOR. Contract No. 3 for the construction of the main portion of this work was awarded to Messrs. F. B. McNamee & Co., of Montreal, Canada, in 1880; and on the 10th June of that year, the contractor was ordered, in accordance with the 25th Section of the Specifications, to commence work. The Dock should therefore have been completed on 10th October, 1882. The work not progressing satisfactorily, my predecessor in office made representations to the firm in Montreal which resulted in the arrival in the Province of one of the partners (Mr. A. G. Nish), That gentleman left however, in the latter part of February, without having made any material change in the management. On 12th April, 1882, the contractors stopped work, and the head of the firm in Montreal was shortly afterwards requested by telegram, to come here and resume operations; the intimation being conveyed at the same time that the work could not be permitted to stand idle, and that if he failed to proceed the Government would be obliged to take possession and carry the work to completion under the terms of the contract. After repeated disappointments in Mr. McNamee's arrival, and the best season of the year passing without work being done, possession was taken on the 27th June last, and it was decided to carry on the work under the contract by day labor until such time as the Engineer-in-Chief could examine into its condition, prepare specifications and bills of quantities, for the purpose of inviting tenders for completion, and another contract could be let. Mr. Morris, of the firm of Messrs. Kinipple and Morris, Engineers of London and Greenock, reached Quebec in the middle of July, but was detained in the Eastern Province by an arbitration case and did not reach Victoria until 16th September. He at once took active measures to make himself familiar with the condition of the Dock; revised the specifications for the Caisson, prepared specifications and bills of quantities for the completion of work under contract to Messrs. McNamee & Co., and for furnishing Portland cement, &c. In accordance with the advice of Mr. Morris separate tenders have been invited for the Caisson and the main, work. Tenders for the Caisson are to be sent in by 30th January, 1883, and for the main work, by 15th February, 1883. I append a portion of a report from Mr. Morris on the Dock work, and it will be observed that he states that, after a careful estimate made on the 22nd September, 1882, he is of opinion that the amount then unexpended of the subsidies from the Dominion and Imperial Governments, would be amply sufficient to finish the Dock, including the Caisson and cost of Portland Cement, but exclusive of Engineering and Superintendence. Whilst publishing this report in full as far as public interests will admit, in view of the fact that tenders are now invited for completion of the work, I cannot in any way endorse the opinion of Mr. Morris as to the employment of Chinese, and question very much whether he has had any experience with that class of labor. Robert Beaven, Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works. 294 Public Works Report. 1882 Mr. MORRIS' REPORT—ESQUIMALT GRAVING DOCK. 2 Westminster Chambees, S. W., and Greenock, N. B., Victoria, October 4th, 1882. To the Honorable Robert Beaven, Premier and Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works, Victoria, B. C. Sir,—I have the honor to submit the following report on the state of the above Works:— Cofferdam. This work was an unreasonably long time under construction; it was commenced in September 1876, and finished in October, 1879. This work, under ordinary circumstances, should have been completed in from 9 to 12 months; the dam, however, has been well executed as shown by the fact that no more water is passing through it now than can be removed by a 6-inch pump working for two hours once a fortnight, and this notwithstanding that one-third in length of the dam (or 133 feet) has been founded on rock. As is well known the sea-worm is very destructive to all kinds of timber and consequently the Cofferdam has a certain life. I find on examination of the outside piles that the worms have attacked them considerably where it was expected, at about high water mark or as is often expressed between "wind and water." The suggestion to plank over the portion of the piles attacked, if found necessary, would help to preserve them for a time. In one or two cases where the piles have been more seriously attacked, measures will have to be taken to make good the same, and generally at this level to strengthen the dam to guard against accident. Some of the piles were driven six years ago, while others have not been in the work more than three years. At present, from outward appearances, there is nothing to induce me to believe the Cofferdam to be in an unsafe condition, yet it is impossible for any one to say how long it will last; nevertheless we have forced upon us the feeling of the absolute necessity of getting the whole of the works completed with as little delay as possible, for should any mishap occur to the dam the consequences would undoubtedly be very serious. I have asked the Resident Engineer, who will examine the dam from time to time, say every three or four months, and report as to its condition. I have to state that the' Cofferdam has been constructed for |60,665 (which sum includes the cost of removal of the same) or nearly $10,000 less than as estimated in 1874. Entrance Works. The state of the works at the entrance is as follows :— Nearly the whole of the eastern wing wall is complete, with the exception of the coping and an opening left for the passage of water for filling the Dock when the time comes for testing the Caisson. The western wing wall next the Dock-yard will be built principally on rock; the contractors made no commencement whatever of this portion of the works. The brickwork of both pier heads has been carried up to a level of about 8 feet above the inverts and are ready to receive the stone and concrete which is to be carried up to coping level; about three-fifths of the brickwork of the outer invert and the caisson path between the outer and inner inverts is built, leaving about two-fifths of the brickwork at the entrance yet to be put in. Very little brickwork has been done on the inner invert. This was commenced just prior to the contractors stopping work. The caisson chamber or recess for the caisson has been blasted out of the solid rock, but the stones have yet to be broken up for concrete and removed before the side walls of this portion of the work can be proceeded with. The concrete apron outside the outer invert is practically all complete. Body of Dock. On the 21st September last, when careful measurements were taken, it was found that about 30,000 cubic yards of soft materials from the more eastern half of the Dock had been excavated and deposited, leaving about 40,000 cubic yards still to be excavated and deposited. On the removal of about one foot in depth of excavation in the bottom of the Dock there is nothing whatever to prevent the concrete of the eastern side wall and half the bottom width of Dock being put in for a length of about 200 feet. 46 Vic. Public Works Report. 295 Mr. Morris' Report on Graving Dock.—Continued. The rapidity with which this work can be done depends greatly how soon the sandstone can be got from the quarry and dressed ready for putting in place. Character of Work. I have carefully examined the concretes in the wing wall, in the inverts, and in the pier heads, with which I am quite satisfied. I find it to be very compact, a pick making but little impression upon it, and judging from that which is exposed, the work appears to be full and solid; this is a sign of good work. I am informed great care was taken that all the materials were clean and free from foreign ingredients and thoroughly well mixed before being put in place. The solidity of the work depends very much upon the above details being carefully attended to. With reference to the brickwork. This I also tested in four different places, and found the work satisfactory; the bricks often breaking and coming out in lumps, showing that the brickwork was solid and not easy to remove brick by brick. All this work requires careful and constant supervision to see that no soft bricks get into the work, and that all the joints are full; also that the sand for the compo is sharp and clean. Brickyard. I have visited the brickyard and inspected one stack of bricks for the works. I impressed upon the manufacturer that he was to pick out all soft bricks and cast them aside, for if he did not do so, we should, and he would have the expense of removing them from the works. He promised to give careful attention to this. Cement. There will shortly be on the works over 1,000 tons of Portland cement. This is none too much to have on hand, looking to the time it takes to get cement from England. The cement is being tested as it arrives. I am glad to be able to state that the last 600 tons of cement cost $21' a ton, covering all charges, as against $27.40 for the first quantity of 560 tons sent out this summer. If the remainder of the cement is obtained on the former price, this will give a saving of over $20,000 on what is yet to come out. In calling for tenders to complete the works, a clause could be inserted in the specifications, if thought desirable, calling upon the contractor to supply the cement. In view of the Government being compelled to carry on and complete the works themselves, they should be prepared to have about 200 tons of cement coming out monthly; and to guard against the possible loss of a cargo as in the case of the "Tropic," 300 tons would not be too much to order. Looking to the works being actively pushed on, I am of opinion that 300 tons more of cement should be ordered within a short time. In the construction of the works, previously described, about 650 tons of cement (or about one-ninth of the whole that will be required), which had been on hand for some time and become somewhat deteriorated in strength, was used, but to allow for the deterioration all the proportions of cement in the various classes of work were increased sufficiently in consequence. I understand some misunderstanding has arisen as to the total quantity of cement required for the works. How it has arisen I cannot say, but I can state for certain that the mistake, if any, was not made by the Engineers-in-Chief, they never having been called upon or asked, until quite recently, what would be the total quantity required, nor have there been any circumstances arising out of the carrying on of the works which would necessitate their giving this information. What they had to do was to see that the Government did not order too much; this they were keeping well before them. ■ Approximate and Actual Cost of Works. I may here mention my firm's experience with regard to the actual cost of carrying out their works as compared with the approximate or estimated cost. Most of the firm's works 296 Public Works Report. 1882 Mr. Morris' Report on Graving DocK.^Continued. have been executed within 5 per cent, of the estimated cost, and sometimes under, and rarely has the actual cost of any work exceeded 10 per cent, of the estimated cost. McNamee & Co.'s Contract. I regret to say that the contractors have carried on the works in a most unsatisfactory and dilatory manner, and on the 12th of April last, formally suspended work. During the time they were on the works, viz., nearly 24 months, they expended the ridiculously small sum of $47,660, when they ought to have spent something like $300,000 to have completed the works within the contract time. The works were commenced on the 20th June, 1880, and were to have been finished by the 10th of October, 1882. The contractors cannot complain of any unusual difficulties, for the whole of the work is being put in dry, the Cofferdam, as previously mentioned, being practically watertight. The Government, on the contractors stopping work, very properly took possession of the works under the terms and conditions of the contract, and are carrying them on, on behalf of the contractors, under clause 52 of the Specifications, and any excess in cost, or in the sums or prices to be paid to other parties beyond the contract prices, the contractors and their sureties shall be liable for such excess, &c, &c. Completion of the Works. After clue and careful consideration as to the best course to adopt for the carrying on of the works on behalf of the contractors, under the terms and conditions of the contract, they having suspended work and failed to carry out their contract, I am of opinion that tenders should be invited for the completion of the whole of the builder's work with as little delay as possible. The work done should be measured up to a certain date to ascertain what remains to complete the works. Should a few days elapse between the measuring and the signing of the contract, the amount expended could be paid over to the Government by the new contractor as work done for him. Further, he should pay over, at the time of signing the contract, the cost of any plant provided by the Government since taking the works out of the hands of Messrs. McNamee & Co., including that at the quarry; also all cement and other materials on hand. By so doing the Government would, besides the $10,000 deposit, which should be put up as security, have the value of the materials and plant as an additional security for the due fulfilment of the contract. An inventory should be made of all plant on the works when Messrs. McNamee & Co. stopped work. This should be signed by the incoming contractors, as plant belonging to the Government which they can use, but which they must be bound to maintain in good working order until the completion of the works. With regard to the suggestion that tenders should include the construction and erection of the Wrought Iron Caisson, I think it would be desirable, in many respects, if both works were in the hands of one contractor to carry out, as it might save much trouble and many disputes. But it must not be overlooked that an arrangement of this kind may mean the paying of two profits. In England we find it difficult, and almost impossible, to get building contractors to undertake work outside their own special branch. In the firm's practice it is never done, finding it impracticable; for amongst other difficulties, I might mention that one contracting firm are not always inclined to trust another. Should the Government not receive any favorable tenders, by reason of their being excessive in amount, or for any other cause, then I would advise them to undertake the vigorous prosecution and completion of the works. If this course has to be adopted, then I would further suggest that tenders, as far as possible, should be got for the supply of all materials. If the Government have to carry on the works, then all disputes between possibly different contractors would be avoided, and also the chance of litigation. I should state that I am arranging with Mr. Bennett the best way, in my opinion, the works should be carried on, which will equally serve whether the Government complete the works or the work be let to other contractors. Your Resident Engineer, fortunately, has had considerable experience in the carrying out of large works without the employment of a contractor, and is fully competent to carry on the works in this way should it be so determined; of course, under these circumstances, it would be necessary for him to have a competent-staff to assist him. Since the contractors stopped work, the Government took the practical and wise course of carrying on the works by day work, until some definite decision is come to as to the best means 46 Vic. Public Works Report. 297 Mr. Morris' Report on Graving Dock.—Continued. to adopt for completing the works; this course should be continued pending the putting up the work for tender, and the acceptance of a favorable tender. It would, I consider, have been a great mistake to have stopped proceeding with the works, and so missed the favorable dry season for doing work, which would have cost a great deal more had it been left until short days and wet weather had set in. I would state that the.cost of the work done since taking over of the works is moderate, looking to the high rate of wages, viz., $2 a day for ordinary laborers, and the scarcity of labor, which forces us to take almost any man that comes along. The cost of the work above referred to was obtained from the pay sheets, and included all charges of repairs to plant, coals, oil, <fec. Method of Proceeding with Works. As partially alluded to on page 296, active preparations are in hand, whatever course is eventually pursued for the completion of the works, in the preparing of the necessary plant, getting materials on the ground, such as shingle and sand for concrete, bricks, <fcc. A quarry has been opened on Salt Spring Island and visited by myself and the Resident Engineer on the 30th ultimo. The stone appears of sound quality, and a number of the large invert stones are quarried and ready to be sent off. These will be on the works in a week to be dressed and put in place. Bearing in mind I quite approve of the suggestion that the entrance works should be proceeded with as soon as the materials can be got on the ground, bricks are now being landed on the works. The west wing wall next the Dock-yard, which is important to get built, will be gone on with in a few days, so that in case of any failure of the Cofferdam an inner one could be constructed across the entrance. I see no reason why this wall should not be finished by Christmas, all the materials being on the ground except the stone for the face. I am of opinion that tenders should be asked for, without delay, for the construction of the Wrought-iron Caisson, for many months must elapse, whether it is built here or in England, before it can be ready to put in place, which it should be as soon as the entrance works are finished for its reception. When in place it would, of course, in case of accident to the dam, act as a dam to shut out the water from the rest of the works, and so save the cost of the inner dam above referred to. The Caisson should be erected on the bottom of the dock on the space which will be set apart for the purpose. A day or two, I hope, will see the commencement of the concreting of the eastern half of the bottom of the dock and the eastern side wall for a length of about 200 feet. The concreting will be continued as circumstances admit. The Government going on with the works as they have has enabled us to commence this work at this time, and I hope a great deal of concreting will be in place before the wet season commences. Dock Bottom. In reference to the question whether it would be advisable to reduce the thickness of the concrete in the dock bottom, I would remark that I have given a good deal of thought to this matter. One of the great difficulties to be contended against in the building of Graving Docks is the blowing up of the bottom from the great pressure they have sometimes to bear. In this case the dock is a deep one, and I think Col. Pasley, of the Admiralty, would scarcely be inclined to sanction any reduction in so vital a part of the dock, more so as I could not recommend it. As to Substitution of Solid Stone in Dock Walls for Stone and Concrete. My firm were the first to introduce into Canada Portland Cement Concrete as a backing to quay'walls behind a stone face, in lieu of solid stone walls which cost from $12 to $16 a cubic yard, while a stone and concrete wall of equal durability and strength only costs from $6 to $8 a cubic yard. The latter class of work has been most successful in the Harbor and Graving Dock works at Quebec. It was at first supposed that the severe climate of the Province of Quebec would be very injurious to a stone and concrete wall, but this is not found to be the case. Should Canada take advantage of this experience she may in the future save some millions of dollars in the carrying out of her public works, 298 Public Works Report. 1882 Mr. Morris' Report on Graving Dock.—Continued. Time for Completion of Dock. I am of opinion that if the works are prosecuted as they should be, and no unforeseen difficulties arise, they should be completed in 18 months from this time. Cost of Completing Dock. My measurements and calculations to arrive at the cost of finishing the dock have been made from the 22nd of September last. This date happens fortunately to correspond with the date the Government has made up a statement of the cost of the works from their commencement. The following Estimate does not include engineering and superintendence. Estimate. Item 1. Estimated cost calculated from the Bills of Quantities, including erection of the main pumping machinery and allowing 5 per cent, for contingencies „ 2. Estimated cost of necessary plant, and including cost of joumping, say for two years „ 3. Cost of 3,488 tons of Portland cement, @ „ 4. Cost of Wrought-iron Caisson, fixed complete „ 5. Cost of Cast-iron Blocks ,, 6. Maintenance and removal of Cofferdam Total Estimated Cost to finish Dock $439,951 00 *As previously * jf Chinese labor was employed on the works, I am of opinion there would dissent entirely be a saving on items 1, 2, 4, and 6, at a moderate estimate, of $30,000. from this opinion- To meet the above expenditure, the Government have to receive ROBT. BEAVEN. ^^ ^ J^^J Government $250,000 Amount already received 47,660 202,340 00 From the Imperial Government 250,000 00 $452,340 00 This shows a difference in favor of the Government of $12,389, or nearly 3 per cent, in excess of the amount required to finish the dock. I consider the foregoing estimate a fairly liberal one, and I should not be surprised if the actual cost of finishing the dock did not come up to the above amount of $439,951. Total Cost of Works. I have thought it might be as well, as I have the figures, to give the total estimated cost of the Graving Dock. In this I propose to include all and every expense connected with the work. Estimate. Expenditure on dock work, taken from statement supplied by Audit Office, from date of commencement, 1872, to 22nd September, 1882. Total paid by Government to 22nd September, 1882 $223,947 87 Total amount advanced by Dominion Government on certificates on account of contract No. 3, F. B. McNamee & Co., to 22nd September, 1882. . . , 47,660 22 Amount advanced by the Government of British Columbia, to 22nd September, 1882, on account of contract No. 3, F. B. McNamee & Co., for which certificate has not yet been issued by the Resident Engineer. . . 6,866 87 Estimated cost of finishing the dock, as per above statement 439,951 00 Commission, Chief Engineers $19,440 Less, 3 years salary Resident Engineer 6,501 12,939 00 Carried forward $731,364 96 46 Vic. Public Works Report. 299 Mr. Morris' Report on 'Graving Dock.—Concluded. Brought forward $731,364 96 Resident Engineer's salary, say 2 years 4,334 00 Cost of cement shed, say '. 600 00 Insurance of cement, say 1,000 00 Ten per cent retention money, F. B. McNamee & Co.'s contract 4,766 02 Cofferdam award, Messrs. Reed's contract 11,900 00 Total Estimated Cost $753,964 98 * If Chinese labor was employed on the works, I am of opinion, on a moderate estimate, * as previou there would be a total saving of about $50,000 on the total cost of the works. mentioned, i ° dissent entir ■In my report dated October, 1874, I submitted an approximate estimate of the cost of the ion. proposed Dock of $500,000, exclusive of engineering and superintendence. The question EoBT■BE■i, might be asked, how I reconcile the above sum with the total estimated cost given above of $753,964.98 or 50 per cent, in excess of the first estimate. To explain the difference I shall have to make an estimate of what should be deducted from the total cost, for the purpose of comparing the cost of the Dock as now being built and as estimated in 1874. The first item of deduction will be the purchase of land $25,000 00 Commission, Engineers-in-Chief, less resident's salary, for 3 years.. , 25,089 00 Resident Engineer's salary for 9 J years, including that paid by the Engineers- in-Chief 20,841 00 Duty on Portland cement, pumping machinery, caisson and plant 37,280 00 Cement shed '. 600 00 Insurance on cement 1,000 00 The original estimate was for a timber floor. This was objected to by the Imperial Government, and stone had to be substituted. Deduct extra cost of stone floor 27,696 00 Less Government Engineer's salary and incidental expenses prior to October, 1874 12,109 00 The estimate made in 1874 was for a Dock 400 feet long, whereas the Dock now being constructed is with the entrance at head 435 feet in length. Deduct for extra length 28,750 00 Deduct for storage cement 6,870 00 Cost of warehouse for storing machinery 841 00 Insurance of machinery, 6 years 2,900 00 Total Deductions $188,976 00 Total cost of Dock as per page 298 $753,964 98 Total Deductions as above 188,976 00 $564,988 98 From the above it will be seen that the estimated cost of the works now exceeds that of the estimate made in 1874 by a sum of $64,988.98 or little over 12 per cent. It is only reasonable to suppose, knowing that so much Chinese labor was employed on this continent on public works, that in my calculations in 1874, I took this into consideration, • therefore if from the above sum of $564,988 98 I deduct the estimated saving in Chinese labor, if used, viz.: 50,000 00 Then the cost of the Dock work would amount to $514,988 98 or not quite 3 per cent, in excess of the estimate of 1875. I have, <fec, (Signed) William Morris, Kinipple & Morris, M. Inst., C.E. 300 Public Works Report. 1882 MR. BENNETT'S REPORT ON GRAVING DOCK. Engineer's Office, Esquimalt, 31st December, 1882. To the Honorable The Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works, Victoria. Sir,—I have the honour to submit my annual report on the progress of the Esquimalt Graving Dock. During the month of January but little work was done, a few hands only being employed in blasting rock at the foot of the incline, for the purpose of extending the track down, and a few more were employed in dressing granite and sandstone. Two loads of the latter (between 300 and 400 tons) were delivered at the works on January 15th and 28th, from the quarry opened at Salt Spring Island. On February 2nd, Messrs. Nish and Stewart, representatives of Messrs. F. B. McNamee & Co., the contractors for the dock, arrived here, and after a short visit left again, being unable to make any satisfactory arrangements as to the future conduct of the work with the local partners of the firm. On February 7th, the setting of the ashlar face of east quay wall was commenced, and construction of the wall continued to 4th March. A groundless complaint was made by the contractors that they had at that date to stop work because there was no more cement on hand, whereas had my instructions been carried out as regards mixing the partially caked cement (which had to be pulverized) with the fine cement, there would have been ample left of the original shipment to have brought up the east quay wall from the level of 4 feet below coping to 2 feet below coping, and this was actually the only spot where cement could at that time have been used on the works, for the brickwork had been stopped since 10th December previously for want of bricks, and the excavations were not sufficiently advanced to allow of any concreting for the floor or for side walls of the dock being done. On March 3rd, 50 tons of White's Portland cement were received from San Francisco, which was stored on Monday, March 6th, at Esquimalt. Samples of this cement had previously been sent from San Francisco and tested by me; so that I submit the complaint of want of cement was a frivolous and a groundless one. After all, when work on the quay wall was re-commenced on 3rd and finished on the 8th April, 9^ tons only, out of the 50 tons, were used. On March 14th, a further shipment of 100 tons of White's cement was received from San Francisco. Blasting for engine house foundation was in progress during the month, and the excavations for body of dock, discontinued on December 12th previous, were resumed on March 8th, and continued during the month. On March llth, the Select Committee of the House of Assembly visited the works. Work on the quay wall was, as I have before stated, resumed on 3rd April and continued to the 8th, and to this date excavation and blasting for engine house foundations progressed. The workmen did not receive their pay from the contractors on the 10th and refused to work. This practically put a stop to the works. A few hands were employed to the 17th, making some alterations to the incline, and then they stopped. On my reporting the circumstance to your department, I received instructions to have the works watched by day and night, and to keep the pump going as usual to prevent the flooding of the works.. On April 14th, I issued Certificate No. 4 for work executed from 7th November, 1881, to 13th April, 1882, which amounted to $13,187.25, making a total payment to the contractors of $47,660.22. This amount represents the net sum after deducting 10 per cent, on the full value of the work, as per terms of the contract, but exclusive of any jobbing work, which is paid for in full. I estimate the total quantity of cement used in the work, to 13th April, to be as follows: Gibbs' cement (original shipment) 611 tons White's „ (from San Francisco) 9J „ 620i „ 46 Vic. Public Works Report. 301 Mr. Bennett's Report on Graving Dock.—Continued. On May 12th, Selleck's warehouse, in which the cement was stored, was completely gutted by fire. It contained about 45J tons of the original shipment, a portion of which, however, was useless, and the balance of the two shipments from San Francisco, about 140|- tons. As soon as it was possible to enter the premises for the purpose of salvage, which, on account of the great heat, was impossible till the 22nd, a few hands were employed to carefully sift what might be of use. About 35 tons of cement were thus saved, and, through the courtesy of J. H. Innes, Esq., Naval Storekeeper, H. M. Dockyard, stored in the Admiralty coal sheds on Thetis Island. On the stoppage of the works in April, the senior partner of the firm at Montreal, Mr. F. B. McNamee, was informed of the fact by your department, and complaint made of the delay. Several telegrams passed. The contractor promised to ship plant and send an agent out at once; but neither the one nor the other appeared, and, as the best part of the year for carrying on the works was being rapidly wasted, it was decided that formal possession of the works should be taken by the Government and the work carried on as provided for under the contract. Possession was taken on the 27th June and a careful inventory of the plant and material on the ground taken. The three scows used in carrying gravel for concrete were found to be missing. Enquiries as to their whereabouts were made, but without success, till it was reported to your department they were hidden at Jones' Island to the north of Sydney Island. A tug-boat was dispatched and the scows brought back to the works in a very leaky state, on Sept. 9th. Some weeks after possession of the works had been taken, Mr. R. P. Mitchell, another representative of Messrs. F. B. McNamee arrived, and applied to your department to have the work handed back to him, which request, however, was naturally refused. Having received your instructions by letter of 27th June, to "take formal possession of the works and make preparation for their expeditious completion," I at once engaged as many men as I could get. Labor at the time, and in fact all through the autumn, was very scarce. The first work undertaken was the extension cf the incline, a little blasting at foot of same being necessary to carry it down to the level of the bottom of the Dock. The boiler of the hauling engine was found to be in a very bad condition and it had to be sent to Victoria for the necessary repairs, which were completed on 13th July. The steamer "Lily," employed in towing gravel-scows, &c, and fetching fresh water for the engines, which unfortunately turned over one night when lying at the wharf, but which was righted again just before the contractors stopped work, also required considerable repairs, and these were effected by the 12th July, when the boiler was tested and a certificate granted by the Dominion Government Steamboat Inspector. The large water tank in the Cofferdam from being empty so long had become so leaky that it was found necessary to almost reconstruct it. On July 15th the excavations were commenced and continued during the month, the material excavated being deposited on the east side of the Dock site and behind the east quay wall. Portland Cement received and stored in the Admiralty coal sheds at Esquimalt, is as follows:— 1S82. Fir Bbls. Oak Bbla. Tons. May Saved from Selleck's Warehouse .. 35 19th July.. White's cement from San Francisco 300 .. 50 17th Aug.. Gibbs' „ ex-"Queen of Bay" 330 100 (1 bbl. short.) 22nd Sept. „ ,, ex-"Bodrhyddan" 994 304J (25 bbls. short.) 5th Dec... „ „ ex-"Caller-Ou" 560 .. 100 30th Dec. Robin's „ ex-"Grace Gibson" 1,680 .. 300 (3 bbls. short.) 21st December, "Rover of the Seas" arrived at Victoria with 1,680 fir barrels, (300 tons) of Robin's cement, which will be brought round to Esquimalt and stored in the new cement shed built on the east side of the Dock. The cement received here turned out in good order and the many tests I have made of the different cargoes have given most satisfactory results. PROVINCIAL LIBRARY VICTORIA. B. C, 302 Public Works Report. 1882 Mr. Bennett's Report on Graving Dock.—Continued. The following list shews number of men employed on the works:— 1882. July August. .. September October.. November December Total Number on Time Greatest Number at Work Number of men Paid Off Book. on any one Day. during the Month. 66 49 14 105 73| 16 129 89i 39 155 894 62 172 113 53 153 108 20 During the month of August the excavations progressed as rapidly as the number of laborers obtainable would admit of, the material being deposited behind east quay wall and for a thickness of 18 inches behind the wall, carefully punned. Cribbing for the sluice way was extended, logs for the cribbing being procured from the Lagoon; the barnacles, &c, were scraped off the front of the Cofferdam and staging. On August 17th, I left on a prospecting tour to locate a sandstone quarry. Mr. F. C. Gamble, C.E., and Mr. J. B. Harrison, went with me. We visited Burgoyne Bay. At Maple Bay, we found good rock at the head of the bay; anchorage well sheltered, but depth of water shallow. Went on to Vesuvius Bay, examined quarry opened by McNamee & Co.; much pleased with the appearance of rock to the north of where their derrick stands. Coasted along full length of south side of Salt Spring, Kuper and Thetis Islands, to Yellow Point. Crossed to DeCourcey Channel and examined Valdes Island; bluff there too high. Went in through Dodd's Narrows to Newcastle Island, examined the quarry there, and came to the conclusion that although the stone is doubtless very good the getting would be expensive. On the return trip we coasted along Galiano Island, where the rock dips the wrong way for easy quarrying. Put into Montague Harbour; bluff too high, anchorage good. Went on to Otter Bay, Pender Island. Coasted along Pender and Saturna Islands; found good stone at Deep Cove, Saturna Island, but the anchorage is too much exposed to the south-east. We returned to Victoria on the 19th. As the result of our trip, Mr. J. B. Harrison and two men were sent up on 22nd August to try the rock at Maple Bay by doing a little blasting, but not liking its appearance we decided on opening out at Vesuvius Bay. On September 4th, having made a derrick, Mr. Harrison was sent off with men and plant to establish a camp and open a quarry at the latter place. In September the excavations still progressed. The suction pipe of the auxiliary pump was extended across the inverts so as to remove the drainage water lying behind the same. Rubbish on the inverts and entrance works was cleaned off; cribbing for sluice way extended. On September 20th, His Excellency the Governor-General and Her Royal Highness the Princess Louise landed at Esquimalt under a royal salute from H M. S. " Comus" and left again on December 7th. On September 21st, His Excellency with His Honor the Lieutenant-Governor and the Hon. J. W. Trutch, C. M. G., visited the works and made a careful inspection of the same. His Excellency again visited the works on November 6th, and he evidently takes great interest in this important undertaking. On September 16th, Mr. W. Morris, of Messrs. Kinipple & Morris, Engineers-in-Chief, arrived here and remained till 25th October. On September 30th, Mr. Morris and self visited the quarry at Salt Spring. The rock was not turning out as well as I had anticipated. On October 17th we again visited Salt Spring and found that the original site of the quarry had been left on account of the bad nature of the stone and that the quarrying had been moved about 100 yards to the south. As this spot, however, did not promise to turn out stone in sufficient quantity, Mr. Morris decided, after an inspection of the stone at Newcastle Island, that it would be better to move our camp and open our quarry there; men, plant and tools, were accordingly shifted on 31st October. 46 Vio. Public Works Report. 303 Mr. Bennett's Report on Graving Dock.—Continued. At Newcastle Island, a great deal of stripping had to be done before good rock could be quarried, and a second derrick has been erected. The first load of stone is expected within a . few days. The quarrymen are in charge of Mr. J. B. Harrison. During Mr. Morris' visit, the specifications for the Caisson and also for the completion of the Dock were revised. Tenders for the Caisson were advertised for on 31st October, and are returnable on 30th January, 1883. Tenders for the Dock were advertised for on 17th November, and are returnable on 15th February, 1883. During October, the excavations still progressed. The cofferdam wharf was repaired. A new floor was laid in the coal shed, built for the auxiliary pump, for the purpose of turning out cement in. The face joints in the brick pier heads were pointed. The repairs to the scows were completed on the 18th, and the concreting for floor of Dock and east side wall was commenced on the 20th. The contractor for bricks has been very dilatory in his deliveries. Four scow loads only have been received, namely:—On October 6th, October 26th, December 6th, December 15th. About 105,000 bricks in all have been received. In consequence of the insufficient supply of bricks on hand, I did not consider it advisable to make a start on the brickwork, and since a small stock has been on hand the weather has been too unfavorable to commence. On October 14th, 188|- tons of sandstone were received from Salt Spring Island and 84 tons on 9th November. This stone has all been dressed at the works. Heavy rains, which commenced on October 20th, caused a small slide of clay on the east side of the dock and interrupted the excavations for a short time. This, in all probability, would not have occurred if the work had not been stopped in the early part of the year, for the excavation for the east dock wall would have been taken out to grade three months sooner, and the concrete got in before the rains set in. It is very fortunate we were enabled to get in as much of the hearting of the wall as we have, namely, about 200 feet in length, and about 16 feet in height, or the annoyance and trouble would have been increased ten-fold. Work during November and December has been, from the wet weather, carried on somewhat at a disadvantage, especially so as regards the excavations. The pump had to be kept constantly at work, day and night sometimes, and steam was not off the boiler for over two months. However, concreting for the floor and east side walls of dock, as well as the excavations, continued to progress. The rock stacked on the site of the west quay wall is being removed, the large rocks being blasted and used for concrete. This will shortly be finished and the construction of wall commenced. Dressing of granite and sandstone progressed steadily. A traveller, 50 feet span and 22 feet high, is nearly completed, and will be used for stacking and dressing stone in the yard. A shed, 150 feet x 30 feet, is nearly completed for storing cement in. On 5th December I issued Certificate No. 5, amounting to $11,554 74. From October 20th to date, 251J tons of cement had been used in the work, and from 5th to 31st December 103£ tons more were used. The Cofferdam is as tight now as it ever was; leakage amounts to nothing. A careful examination of its exterior face was made during Mr. Morris' visit. He recommends the driving of a few piles at intervals along the front and an extra waling piece. I propose taking this in hand shortly. The open ditch from Thetis Lake to the salt water near Parson's bridge has been deepened, and a box drain put in. Extra fiuming has also been erected at Parson's Bridge, so that fresh water can at all stages of the tide be obtainable. The arbitration case, Reed Bros. v. Government of British Columbia, submitted to Messrs. Kinipple & Morris, resulted in an award of $11,900. The amount claimed by Messrs. Reed Bros, was $42,676.08. I have, (fee, (Signed) W. Bennett, Resident Engineer 21 304 Report of Public Works. 1882 Mr. Bennett's Report on Graving Dock.—Concluded. Shipments of Cement, 1882. tons. White's cement from San Francisco 50 0 0 in return for cement lent to Corporation of Victoria City. Do. do. 100 10 0 Do. do. 50 0 0 Gibbs' cement from England, per "Tropic" 258 11 0—lost at sea; insured. Do. do. per "Bodrhyddan" .. 304 4 1 Do. do. per "Queen of Bay" .100 0 0 Do. do. per "Caller-Ou" .... 100 0 0 Robin's cement do. per "Rover of Seas". 300 0 0 Do. do. per "Grace Gibson".. 300 0 0 1,563 5 1 W. Bennett, Resident Engineer. VICTORIA: Printed by Richakd Wolmndis, Government Printer, »t the Government Printing Office, James' Bay.
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REPORT OF THE CHIEF COMMISSIONER OF LANDS AND WORKS FOR THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER, 1882.
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