SN a a el re i i i el ee ae 
ee. er Se ee 
——< 
rer 
ON THE DOVER HARBOUR WORKS. 481 
‘Thus the tough nature of the holding ground, so mucli better than, 
from common report, I had anticipated, having disabled one anchor and 
parted the cable from the other, and the fact of two large ships having 
also parted their cables in recent gales, appeared to be decisive as to the 
good quality of the anchorage, nor, after the trials I have witnessed, 
should I have any hesitation in riding out a gale of wind in Dover Bay 
in its present state ; how much less so when enclosed by a breakwater !’ 
The probability of the deposit of silt in an enclosed harbour could not 
be so definitely determined ; samples of water taken in various positions 
and depths showed that the quantity of matter in suspension varied from 
three to thirteen grains per cubic foot in calm weather, and from ten to 
fifty-four grains in a strong 8.W. breeze. The Commissioners were of 
opinion that more extensive experiments were necessary, and that these 
should be continued for the space of a year, in all circumstances of 
weather. 
They submitted the design shown by purple lines on the cartoon, and, 
pending further consideration of the general scheme, urged the immediate 
commencement of ‘that portion which is to commence at Cheeseman’s 
Head.’ For the information of visitors, it may be well to say that the 
work thus described is that now generally known as the ‘ Admiralty Pier.’ 
In the next year, 7.e. 1845, a further Commission was appointed to 
consider plans submitted by eight of the leading engineers of the day, and 
reported that the form of the harbour should be practically that recom- 
mended in the previous year. 
Further observations on the quantity of silt held in suspension were 
made, and the report pointed out that if liability to silt were deemed an 
objection, it would be idle to attempt such works on any part of our coast. 
To minimise the difficulty it was considered better to admit only the 
quantity of water required to maintain the level in the harbour without 
sensible current, than to permit a free tidal current which would sweep 
through without causing a deposit. 
As an instance supporting this contention, reference was made to 
Kingstown, in Dublin Bay, where the harbour, although in the neighbour- 
hood of numerous sandbanks, and with a single entrance in the fair line 
of the tide, remained, after twenty years’ experience, free from any per- 
manent deposit. 
The only other point considered by this Commission to which reference 
need now be made was the mode of construction. After receiving very 
contradictory evidence, the system of upright walls was recommended in. 
preference to sloping stone breakwaters. 
As a result of these inquiries and recommendations the contract for 
the first portion of the Admiralty Pier was let in October 1847, and, 
excepting only a small addition to its seaward end, it was completed in 
1871. Its total length, including the turret, is about 2,000 feet, and the 
general character of its construction was indicated on a diagram. It will 
be universally admitted that, considered either as an engineering structure 
or as affording accommodation for an enormous passenger traflic, this pier 
bears favourable comparison with any work of a similar character, and 
reflects the greatest credit on its designers and builders. 
On only one occasion since its completion has any serious accident 
occurred to the Admiralty Pier. This took place during an exceptionally 
Peele on January 1, 1877, and was confined almost entirely to the 
; II 
