"DANGEROUS REEF."

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 11111, 8 May 1911, Page 4

"DANGEROUS REEF."

NEAR FERRY STEAMERS' TRACK. The statement of the Minister of Ma.i rino (Hon. J, A. Millar) that a patch of rocks on the track of tho Wellington-Lj-Melton steamers had recently been re-' ported to the Department way have caused same thought to prospective travellers. It if somewhat reassuring to know that wirings on the subject have, already appeared in tho "Gazette," and have thus been brought under tho notice of shipping people. Tho first notice was published in this way on January '.'G, 1011, after information' received from Mr. U Bushctt, of Die fishing vessi-1 IVairon. Captain Bollons was sent with tho Government steamer Hiuemoa to make n further investigation, and as a consequence a second "Notices to Mariuers" was ffazctled on February 2. The Bnshett Shoal, as it is now named, lies about five luilea off the Cheviot roast, n few miles further north than the month of the Wniau River, and three-quarters of a mile from u four-fathom shoal, which was previously known. Th« Welliugton-Lyflel-ton steamers pass within a. few miles of it.

It was ascertained by Captain Bollone th.it tho patch of foul ground extends 500 ft. by 200 ft., and carries from 12 to 16 fathoms of water on its outer edge, nud from ■ iivo to ten fathoms towarda the centre, from which riso several pinnacles, two of them having only 15ft., to 17ft. of water over them at low-water spring tides. Tho bottom between these rooks and the four-fathom shoal is rocky, carrying from 18 to 19 fathoms of water. Captain BoUons took the bearings of the shoal, and those, with other details, appear in tho "Gazette , * notice.

It was learnt on further inquiry last Saturday that "this dangerous reef," as it. is railed in the "Gnzctto" notice- of February 2, is not buoyed.