THE NAVIGATION OF OUR RIVERS.

Globe, Volume I, Issue 2, 2 June 1874, Page 2

THE NAVIGATION OF OUR RIVERS.

To the Editor of the Glebe.

Sir, —Will you oblige me and ojthers by drawing attention to the importance of many of the rivers of Canterbury for navigation and other purposes. I have been particularly impressed with the subject from observing the smart little steamer New Brighton going up and down the Avon for the past few months, cutting up the weeds with her paddles as if combining business with pleasure. It is to be hoped Government will have bridges so constructed as not to obstruct the navigation of the river higher up, eveu to the passing of Lane’s mill, and the pleasure of visiting the Domain, and in good time the country,!.;by steamer. It is rathei expensive to pay £3OO for getting the river badly cleaned by boats. It would be pmch better to set about it in the right way, by importing a small steam dredge for our rivers. This I am sure Government could easily do, if it can afford to send to England for a dredging machine to cost £37,000 for Lyttelton harbor. The drelging of the river through the city would soon pay for itself in road metal, while that taken out lower down would raise the sides that are too low, and in time reclaim many useful acres. With the constant plying of steamers to and fro the Avon will soon become as free from weeds and as useful to us as the Thames is Loudon. Fertile land is generally found near our rivers; every encouragement should, therefore, be given to open up good communication.

Yours, &c., Land and Water