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65
The average number of visits per day was—18 for the " David Burnett,"
16 for the " Clotho," and 18 for the " Denton."
The average daily cost of maintenance will be seen to be higher than the
preceding year. This is due to the extra cost of repairs necessary during
the year, and consequent loss of time.
The year 1907, as was pointed out at the time, was an exceptionally light
one in respect of repairs.
During March, the launch " David Burnett" went into dry dock for
thorough overhaul and repair under the supervision of your Consulting
Engineers, Messrs. Dudgeon and Gray, at a total cost of 107/. 19s. 9d.
The " Denton " has been fitted with a new rubbing piece, the existing one
having decayed. This has now been made of a shape which will improve the
manceuvring of the launch when alongside a vessel or wharf.
Few repairs have been necessary to the launch "Clotho." During the
latter part of August the deck was found to require recaulking, while several
small repairs to the engines were necessary. Advantage was therefore taken
of the vacation, and the launch laid up for repairs forthwith.
The hulk " Hygeia," which was moored at Gravesend in 1893 for the
convenience of the Medical Officers stationed at Gravesend, has been found to
be in a bad state, the plates of the sides near the water line having wasted
considerably, and perforated in several places.
After careful survey, temporary repair was effected by bolting sheathing on
the inside, and grouting with cement. .
The question of replacement of the hulk is therefore being considered.