Volume Three - The Pontoon Era - Notes on the longitudinal joint of the Penarth dock . . .

We are quite agreeable to fit pumps with an 18 inch discharge instead of the 16 inch and we also concur in the introduction of another longitudinal water-tight bulkhead, which as a matter of fact we had already provided for in or weights, but as we had not definitely fixed the arrangement for the longitudinal joint this bulkhead had been left out all together. The fitting of this bulkhead, as we have separately explained, would involve an outside water-tight compartment, which will have its separate valves and suctions. We do not consider it at all necessary from the point of view of strength to increase the thickness of the pontoon shell plating, as the pitch of framing and internal stiffening in our design is very much closer than the one you sent us.

With regard to the particular description of boiler to be used, we have already expressed our preference for the Babcock & Wilcox, but the following are other boilers that have been considered by us, viz., the Cochrane Co.'s Fire Tube Boiler, the Sterling Boiler Co.'s Water Tube, Ryley Bros., Water Tube, Woodeson's Water Tube, Clarks, Chapman's Multi-Tubular and also the Marine type by another Maker. The range in price between the highest and lowest does not exceed £200, and if the lowest price, viz., Cochrane's, were adopted there would be a saving of only £66, but in the case of these latter boilers they would be 4 in number instead of 2 as in the case of the Babcock and also in the case of the Sterling and the Woodeson boilers. The pressure in the Babcock is 160 lbs. and of the others 150.

We have further considered the price for this Dock and have decided to make a reduction on the design as we have amended it to quote £37,000. If this offer is entertained we shall be pleased to meet your Engineers and to discuss any details which they or yourselves may desire further information.

We beg to remain, Gentlemen, Yours faithfully, for Swan, Hunter, Wigham Richardson, Ltd. Signed W. Denton, Director. 28th January, 1909."