A Treatise On The Principles And Practice Of Dock Engineering

6 DOCK ENGINEERING. It is very difficult to réalisé that, up to the last decade of the 18th century, the Thames only possessed its one dock (and that devoted to the whaling trade), while Liverpool had but three, and these of inconsiderable extent. It was left to the 19th century to witness a great revival in dock and harbour engineering. Great forces which had been slowly gathering throughout the Georgian period eventually came to a head, lhe sudden growth of commerce consequent upon the advent of steam power, the expansion of the empire and the opening up of virgin territory, gave an impetus to national policy which resulted in the adoption everywhere of vigorous and energetic measures. The history of the Victorian era is a long and triumphant record of feats of maritime engineering skill adorned by the names, amongst others, of Rennie, Smeaton, Stevenson, Hawkshaw, Messent, Coode, Hartley, and Lyster, and attested by the splendid array of docks and harbours which line the English coast to-day. Nor is there any sign yet of a diminution in the activity which has produced such magniflcent results. Fresh undertakings are demanded dady to correspond with each succeeding development of naval architecture and with each access of national prosperity. From the point of view of national vitality this is, indeed, no time for relaxation of effort. Powerful trade competitors have arisen in nations who, admittedly outdistanced before, now openly dispute the British claim to the sovereignty of the seas. Renewed exertions will have to be made, both to retain trade and to cope with its altered conditions. Hence the necessity, on the part of port authorities, for a watchful and attentive attitude, ready to note each impending change and its probable conséquences ; to seize each favourable opportunity for fresh enterprise, and by decision and energy to utilise it to the fullest extent. Only in this way can ports, as well as nations, hold their own. Dock Administration.—Docks are to be found under five different systems of management, and though the question of administration is one of economics rather than of mechanical science, it merits at least a passing reference. The five systems of administration may be enumerated as follows :— (1) Private or Public Companies, ad hoc. (2) Railway Companies. (3) Afunicipalities. (4) Public Trusts. (5) Government Departments. Of these it may be said that private companies are in the least favourable position for maintaining their docks in an efficient condition, or for meeting the needs of a growing port. Dock engineering works are particularly costly, and the return on capital thus invested, except in rare instances, will not bear favourable comparison with dividends arising from securer sources.