'Summary of correspondence relative to the administration of the Port of Basrah and measures for the control of the shipping traffic in Mesopotamia.' [‎44r] (87/134)

Add-
Richardson and Craddas' contracts, including erection of shed
ding and Engine ...
•••
Value of Machinery in existing dockyard
Total
63>303
11,697
2,00,00^
7. On the 27th December, Major Alexander submitted a revised estimate in
accordahce with the orders of the Army Commander, who directed that the ad-
dihonal pla nt and machinery, over and above Richardson and Cruddas' contract
should be reduced to the lowest possible workable minimum and that such works
as the slipway and jetties should be constructed in such a manner as to meet
tne absolute necessities of the campaign and to be as cheap as possible.
The revised estimate amounted to Rs. 1,61,000 as follows •—
1. Slipway
2. Jetty and crane
3 Foundation
4. Tramway
5. Machinery and Plant
C\ Shedding
7. Staff Quarters and Latrines
8 fencing and Contingencies
Rs.
... 29,000
... 17,300
••• 7-433
500
... 15,400
5,000
6,^00
... 4,767
Add Richardson and Cruddas contract
Value of existing Works
86,coo
63^03
1| ,697
1,61,000
8. The papers were sent to the Director General of Port Administration and
River Conservancy, on the 13th January, for review and suggestions, and that
Otlicer was informed, that the whole of the arrangements, cost of plant and
machinery, construction of jetties and slipway had been carefully considered and
sanctioned prior to his arrival in Mesopotamia and the original estimate reduced
by Rs. 39,000 ; the hope was therefore expressed that he Wight find it possible
to concur with what had been proposed and sanctioned as to counter order or
upset any of the items already ordered, or to defer the work in hand would mean
still further delay in the speedy establishment of an adequate repairing base for
the river craft, used on the Tigris and Euphrates, the want of which ^had been
one of the greatest difficulties, since the inception of Military Operations in this
country.
9. In a memorandum, dated 1st February, 1916, the Director-General of
1 ort Administration and River Conservancy observed that, as he understood the
estimates had been sanctioned and the plant ordered, he did not consider himself
eal ed upon to. do more than express general approval of the proposed workshop
and tools, and he directed his attention to the proposes for a slipway and jetty,
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