Original Correspondence

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VI, Issue 596, 31 March 1882, Page 2

Original Correspondence

We are at all times ready to give expression to every shade of opinion, but in no case do we hold ourselves responsible for the views advocated by our correspondents.

AKAEOA RAILWAY, To the Editor.

Blß.—Now that the railway is to commence running from Little River I should like to know if any arrangements are being made for the speedy conveyance of passengers to and from Akaroa. There is no doubt but that the increase of our passenger traffiic will in a great measure depend on the mode of conveyance ,md time occupied in transit. My own opinion is that the shortest and most attractive route would be by coach from the railway station to Barry'e Bay, and thence by steamer to Akaroa. The whole journey could then be worked this way in about 4-jJ- hours. As the trains will run from the first of the month it is about time the proprietors of the different services should let the public know if any steps are being taken in the matter. Yours, etc.,

PROGRESS.

LAKE DRAINAGE, To the Editor.

Sir, —This being the question of the clay on the Peninsula, any opinions or suggestions on tho matter must be interesting. I have therefore, under sufferance, a word to say about it, conceding the liberty to your readers to take my opinions for what they may be worth. It appears that a project ie on foot for placing an embankment across the estuary at the western end of Lake Ellemnere, for the purpose of keeping the sea within certain limits. Now, Bir, I have this question to submit for your consideration—Why not keep the sea out altogether ? I am of opinion that this can be done. In the first place, it may not be generally known that the spit is almost imperceptibly, but surely, widening and rising, and the time will arrive when the e«a will cease altogether to run over it. Ergo, I propose that a concrete wall be built on the spit along where the sea breaches, five feet in height on an average, and two feet in width; the Bide facing the Bea to be concave. With the exception of cement, the material is on the ground. Tiie nest consideration is, the fresh-water floods ; and, with reference to the evaporation theory, I think we may leave the consideration of the question out altogether. An outlet will have to bo provided in any case, as the prospect of a fanner having to wait for evaporation before ho could put in his crops would not be a very bright one. A cutting would have to be made through the spit, and concrete side walla built, with flood gates placed beneath the sea wall, which wall will cross tho cutting. Of course that portion of the cutting next the sea would iill with shingle, and would require dearing out from time to time, but the labor

would be trifling to what it is at present. I claim for the above plan the following advantages: —Firstly, in building the wall the shingle would be close to hand, and carting would not be necessary. Secondly, the wall would assist the sea in permanently raising the spit. Thirdly, if at any time circumstances would allow of a work of any magnitude for a permanent opening, the side walls of the cutting could be extended outwards, in furtherance of any plan that might be agreed upon. I am of opinion that if tho embankment was made it would not answer the end claimed for it by the promoters, and anyone conversant with the nature of things must arrive at the same conclusion. It must be borne in mind, that for months at a stretch, possibly six months, the sea does not run over the spit, or if so, very slightly; nevertheless, it will run quite high enough to block up any outlet, and those who have not yet witnessed the operation have no conception how quickly it is done. I have not entered into any calculation as to quantities or cost, but the immense amount of labor and material required in building an embankment across the eatuary, even if there was a guarantee of its utility, must I, think, upon reflection, give to my plan as suggested the preference. It will be seen that 500 cubic yaids of concrete will go a long way in twenty chains of wall, whereas the cubic yards of raateiial required in the embankment must bo counted by thousands. I notice that one man in his evidence to the committee states that a north-west wind is of great service in letting out the lake. This is a mistake. A north-west wind will keep the sea down, but in place of being any help it is an obstacle, as in forces the water of the lake to the eastern end. A north-easterly wind is of great assistance, as it blows directly into the bight. Another says that the embankment will be useful as a road across the spit. I agree with him, and this is the only mark that can be awarded to it. Sir John Coode is reported to have said that an embankment is what is required. If so, I opine he meant to place it where I propose to place the wall. But the stuff is not suitable for a bank of the required stability, though admirably suited for making concrete. I believe that if my suggestions were carried out, the chances of any damage to the liailway won Id be reduced to a minimum, particularly if the authorities could be made to see the error o£ their ways, and make more openings in the embankment for the escape of flood water from the hills. In conclusion, I must reiterate that it is my conviction the sea can be kept out altogether without a very heavy expenditure.—Yours, etc.,

JAMES WILSON. Little River, March 25,1882.