SIR JOHN COODE'S REPORT ON DUNEDIN HARBOR.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1348, 10 June 1878, Page 3

SIR JOHN COODE'S REPORT ON DUNEDIN HARBOR.

The following correspondence hag been handed to the " Dunedin Herald " for publication : Marine Department, Wellington, June 3rd, 1878. Sir, —I am directed by the Hon. the Commissioner of Customs to forward herewith copy of a report made by Sir John Coode on Dunedin harbor, and to inform you that should your Board adopt the recommendations made therein His Excellency the Governor in Council will be recommended to approve of them. I have, &c. L. H. B. Wilson, For the Officer in Charge. The Chairman of Ofcago Harbor Board. Auckland, May 25th, 1878. Having carefully considered the question of the probable effect of the reclamation proposed to be made in connection with the new harbor and dock works at Dunedin, I am of opinion that a reclamation to the extent contemplated by the plan of 20th February last would dimiuish the volume of tidal water to such an extent as to jeopardise the maintenance of the same depth of water on the bar as hitherto existing. Understanding that pending the report on the matter generally, an expression is desired of my view with respect to the extent of reclamation that may be safely undertaken along that part of the foreshore immediately to the south of tho present railway Btation, I have to recommend that the area comprehended between the ea-tern front of Crawford street snd a line (measured at a right angle), 500 ft. distant therefrom and parallel thereto, should be appropriated for railway station purposes.

xuu question oi iuu position, exreuß, auu character of the basins and wharves on the harbor side of the railway station, and the appropriation of the south-western shore in such a manner as will be best suited for the trade of the Port, will be dealt with in my general report on the harbor works. I should add that measures adopted to counteract any prejudicial effect upon the bar, arising from a diminution of the tidal scour, could only be undertaken at or immediately adjacent to the bar itself, and any such as would be attended with a reasonable prospect of success would necessarily, from the physical conditions at the entrance, be so extensive and cost y that they Bhould not be entertained simply with a view of counteracting the effect of large reclamations within the harbor. I am, &c, John Coodb. It is surmised that a mistake occurs iu the second paragraph of Sir John Coode's report by the clerk who copied it. If Crawford street is the true reading, no assent of the Governor is required, as. it haa been already hiven. If Castle street is really meant, it harmonises both with Sir J. Coode's verballyexpreßsed opinion to the committee appointed to attend on him and with the Governor's letter.