'Summary of correspondence relative to the administration of the Port of Basrah and measures for the control of the shipping traffic in Mesopotamia.' [‎42r] (83/134)

<& 1
TABLE F.
July ist, 1916.
December 31st, 19I6.
April ist, 1917.
December jisf, 1917.
No.
of
vessels.
Tons cf
supplies
on a
20 day
trip.
No.
of
vessels.
Tons of
supplies
on a
20 day
trip.
No.
of
vessels.
Tons of
supplies
on a
20 day
trip.
No.
of
vessels.
Tens of supplies
on a 20 day
trip.
Paddlers and tugs ...
Barges...
t-
12J
'5
00
/ >
55
120
1
1
> 825
l
J
80
170
T
1
^ 1,200
J
'34
170
| i,?oo plus the
^ greater pai t of a
I division of all
J arms.
The above figures are on the assumption of a round trip of 20 days for both
paddlers and tugs and that the barges will only carry 150 tons instead of 2;o
tons. 0
As already stated, I believe both these assumptions require reconsideration.
The Committee accept the President's note as a general summary of the
situation, and record the following views on certain specific points therein :
Standard Type of Vessels,
The Committee note that the Mejidieh paddlers have not been provided
with Samson posts, but they are informed these are necessary for towing pur
poses, and they recommend that Samson posts be provided on all paddlers'under
construction.
In the matter cf shape of barges, there has already been considerable
discussion and the concensus of expert opinion in Mesopotamia is, that baro-es,
with square ends, will be a positive danger on the Tigris, • especially during^the
navigation of the 28 miles of river which constitutes what is known as the
Narrows.
The Committee is of opinion that the present is no time for experiments
as a serious accident in the Narrows might block the channel and have far-
reaching and disastrous results.
They recommend that the square-ended barges be not used on the Tigris,
that the barges of this type already in the country or on the seas, either in
sections or in plates and angles, be shipped to Bombay and new fore ends
fitted of the ordinary stem type and new after ends fitted of ordinary stern post
type with one rudder, and that all barges under construction in Great Britain
have this alteration effected before they are shipped. I he barges, actually
erected or in course of erection in Mesopotamia, can be used for ^work in the
Port or up the river as far as Kurna.
Duration of Voyage.
The Committee understand that there is practically no difference in the
time taken.by Mejidieh paddlers and Samana tugs, as the latter have no delays
en route and also make better time than the paddlers through the Narrows and
other awkward places.
Capacity of Standard Types.
The Committee discussed the question of the working capacity of the
barges specified to carry 250 tons dead weight, and the fact was ascertained
■ hat although the specification stated 250 tons, .the working drawing only