Thanks to the fact that nowadays more and more books are digitized we are
able to read books that are some times for decades no longer available for the
public for several reasons. That's quite a pity while these books contains
useful information while the archives are destroyed, incomplete or nor
accessible. Of essential interest for navy and merchant ships was where in the
world dock (yard) facilities were available for ordinary repairs or in case of
emergency. The costs of using such a facility was of course also of interest
and finally these information was of great value in times of war.
P. 415: “The dredging machine imported by the town is reported to have done
considerable good in removing shoals and banks, and in deepening in and about
the harbour. The town and many private houses are now lighted with gas. Water
(rain) is generally scarce here; house owners have cisterns attached to their
dwellings for private use; there are no reservoirs in the town. It has often
been said that the Government would build a large reservoir for the use of the
poorer classes, but as yet they have not taken any steps in the matter.” and
“The floating dock is still in course of construction, but I am informed
that in May or June next it will be ready for work and capable of taking up
vessels of 3,000 tons. The dock, and the patent slip, constructed some years
ago (and which can raise vessels up to 1,000 tons), are great conveniences; for
the proper repairing of vessels that put in here in distress and otherwise. Two
steam tugs have been built here in 1866, and are of some service in towing
vessels in and from the harbour.”
Source
House of Commons papers, vol. 68.
