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An engineering proposal argues for construction of a barrage across the lower Thames between Gravesend and Tilbury to create a non-tidal inland reservoir and maintain consistent deep navigation to central London, eliminating dredging, tide-waiting, and grounding, and improving safety and loading operations. The pamphlet catalogs complaints about inadequate depth, delays, overlapping authorities, high costs, and hazardous navigation, critiques dredging and administrative reforms as insufficient, surveys analogous international proposals, and advocates dockisation with locks and sluices as a comprehensive remedy while discussing technical, economic, and operational implications.
Among these may be mentioned:—No further scouring of bridge or other foundations. No backing up of the foul waters of the small tributaries, such as the Lea, Barking Creek and others. Improved living conditions and reduction of disease, especially in the neighbourhood of the river, resulting from the cessation of ebb and flow, of smells and exposure of mud banks. Increased value of properties bordering the river. Fixed piers for passenger steamers.