Port of Melbourne. 71 



outlay has been made within the last 150 years, and nearly 

 one-half within my own recollection. 



For Melbourne the question of Harbor Improvements is 

 now becoming one of vital importance, for in a few years, if 

 nothing is done, its harbor will be a thing of the past, 

 owing to the rapid silting-up which is now going on. 



To object to the large sum named for a whole scheme of 

 harboi- works, is scarcely a fair objection as put ; because 

 the sum named, although a very large one, is but prospective, 

 and its rate of expenditure dependent on the future ex- 

 tension of the trade of the port ; and because the amount, 

 if expended, is for objects equal in importance and value to 

 any ever accomplished in any age or country for extent, 

 usefulness, or economy ; and further, the capital named for 

 expenditure is nominal only, seeing that the whole amount 

 is refunded from the increased value of the reclaimed lands, 

 giving to the country a surplus of value beyond the nominal 

 capital named, in addition to which we would have an 

 acreage of water space, quay wall, and quay room equal to 

 many of the large ports of the world, free of debt, and 

 which may be open to the navies and commerce of the 

 world free of all charges beyond those for lights and 

 pilotage. 



The modified scheme which I now submit as being 

 adapted to our immediate requirements presents the same 

 advantages — proportional in their extent with the original 

 scheme for the whole — as before submitted, without in any 

 way interfering with the ultimate carrying out of the entire 

 work. 



REDUCED ESTIMATE OF EXPENDITURE. 



Excavation, 11,296,395 cubic yards, at lOd. ... £470,183 2 6 

 Coring the harbor quays with rubble-stone, 



8500 lineal yards at £50 425,000 



Quay wall to channel and Queen's Wharf, 8000 



yards at £100 800,000 



£1,695,183 2 6 

 Fender Piling and miscellanea 304,816 17 6 



Gross Total £2,000,000 



Materials available for the 



reclamation of land, 



equal to 1167 acres. 



Deduct for quays 427 ,, 



740 „ at £5000 £3,700,000 



Surplus Value £1,700,000 



