THE NAVIGATION OF OUR RIVERS.

Globe, Volume I, Issue 25, 29 June 1874, Page 3

THE NAVIGATION OF OUR RIVERS.

To the Editor of the Globe. favOr" me with Space in your useful journal for a few more remarks on the above subject. One of the great advantages possessed by our rivers for navigation and other purposes dies, in the.fact that they are open all the yeaf round, while we know that in less favored climates, rivers become icebound, thereby causing much annoyance and expense from the stoppage of business. Notably amongst these may be mentioned the Erie canal and the extraordinary project ,wniplj> -Uias been submitted for keeping it open all winter by means of hot water pipes. In connection with our rivers for navigation should be mentioned their great use as natural outlets for drainage and storm water; strenuous efforts should therefore be mad©to commence dredging operations; it is absolutely necessary, not only for the navigation, but on account of the low-lying situation of the plains, which prevents a sufficiently strong scour in the river, through being only a fetyfeet above high water mark in the direction of the sea. Bnt no doubt our rivers were sufficiently clean and deep for natural purposes 1 when the country was in a wild state, but since its settlement they have been seriously shallowed, and* in some places choked with mud from artificial channels, and by the rapid growth of watercress. It is therefore our business, by careful dredging, to bring them into good working order again, and keep them so, then we may depend upon having them fit for navigation, good drainage, and what is better, prepared for any emergency, such accidents to ' the Waimakariri protective works, or excessive wet seasons. 1 cannot agree with the irrigation scheme which Government propose, it stems to ignore altogether numerous well-watered and fertile districts which require drainage, and in some places only roads, to make them produce things far more wonderful; thanjmoa bones. Let us by all means make the best Use, ,of) the natural advantages we possesg for farms, and well-watered pastures for cattle, and leave-sheep the dry lands for which they are naturally suited. If any one really wants to demonstrate the import- . ance of irrigation for this temperata climate, they can purchase land at the sand-hills, where they will find a river ready for immediate use. But in mercy, I beg to remind 'silchj". ChatAifligation 'pays .best in tropical countries. In conclusion, let me add that if Government consents to ereet a bridge at New Brighton, it is generally hoped that they will get it built in such a way that it will not obstruct navigation, but prove an excellent model for constructing bridges hereafter. Yours, See., Land ahd Watek.