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Lyttelton Times, Volume IV, Issue 223, 20 December 1854, Page 4

H. M. S. " Pandora," Port Victoria,

18tb December, 1854

Sin, Having at yotir request examined the entrance of the Sumner, with a view to determine the possibility of rendering its navigation easier I>V removing obstacles, or otherwise improving it*, I herewith transmit a report, and shall have much pleasure in forwarding you a tracing of the survey in a few days to be attached to this report. We find the mouth of the Sumner to be fituated two and a half miles N.W. of Godley Head, at the southern extreme of a long sandy beach; that the stream in meeting a projection of rucks on its south shore, bends rather suddenly from an eastern to a northern course; from this bend the bar is one-quarter of a mile and one-sixth of a mile from the outer rock. (These rocks are above water). It is 400 feet in width, with a depth at low water springs of not less than 5 feet in the channel; the soundings on either side of the bar decrease towards it gradually. The narrowest part of the channel within the bar is 150 feet; it is between the elbow and the rocks: but on passing this, where a vessel would turn ? there is a space of 400 feet with not less than 9 feet at low water, and in the channel to the Shag Bock 10 to 11 feet. The deepest water is found on the channel side of the rocks, 24 feet at low water. The highest water on the bar would be 12 feet in springs, 9 to 10 feet at neaps, the rise and fall being from 7 feet in springs to 5 feet at neaps. The bar is composed of fine sand, the strength of current (I should think) never exceeds 5 to 6 knots. With due deference to any opinions suggested for the improvement of the entrance, I have after three days' investigation come to the conclusion, that any money expended in improving or altering the course of the outlet, would be more likely to be detrimental to navigation than otherwise. Of the number of similar bar harbours on the east coast of Great ( Britain, attempts at considerable expense have not only been rendered fruitless, but in most cases engineering has been detrimental to the harbour, and the formations of angular piers, sea walls, &c, have eventually done injury to the cause they were intended to remove, by accumulating deposit. Although in some few instances, by obtaining a considerable scouring power by sluices, and sea walls diverging towards the embouchure, the effect lias assisted in deepening the channel to some small extent; yet such expense and its problematical result, would not justify even consideration in this case. However, since some suggestions have been put forward with regard t'» supposed improvements, and without arrogating any knowledge on engineering subjects, I may simply state what occurs to me would be the practicable results of interfering with the channel as it exists. The filling up of the rocks extending from the Suvnner beach would form a resisting wall lo the .>-treain, which would be diverted towards the western elbow, funning an acute-angled channel lo the westward. The bar would, by the same cause, be nearer the western shore, and therefore shoaler. By looking at the plan it will be seen that the bar is at present in nearly a central position between the svest and south shores, and therefore naturally in the deepest or best position. Therefore if, on the other hand, the suggestion of blowing up the rocks above-mentioned were carried out, the effect would be to straighten the course of the stream, but at the same time leading it along a shallow beach, forming a bar

in shoaler water. The only other suggestion I have heard, is the filling up of the rocks above to narrow the channel there, but I think at such ii distance the only result would be to slightly hollow out the opposite embankment, and the effect below would be imperceptible. Any other ' disposition of the bar would be less advantageous to the port, it being, as I have already mentioned, midway between the west ajiijksoullif shores, and naturally in the deepest site. I find that this river is not subjected to freshets, as it takes its rise in a swamp in the plains, and being unconnected with the mountainranges is therefore less liable to changes by sudden and rapid streams. This is in favour of its navigation, and for such a small embouchure a bar of 5 feet at low water may be considered as a favourable entrance ; and in my opinion— with due care —may be made available for. the purposes of transporting: cargo in safety from Port Victoria to Christehurch.

Having witnessed the heavy and generally impassable bars along the west coast of these Islands, upon which we have lately been employed, and upon which we would scarcely look for an opportunity of crossing in a boat, I may in. comparison state that we crossed the Sumner bar the day we wished to do so ; that the following day we were engaged almost entirely upon it; and that two clays after (the day it was most convenient to return) we also again crossed it without a break in our open boats. This was viewing it under favourable circumstances ; and why should any vessel attempt it under any other, when there is a port within three miles, and judgment upon the feasibility of entry can be ascertained before leaving? It tlferefore appears to me that if cargo is wet or damaged upon the Sumner bar, it must be from recklessness. The bar is certainly exposed to occasional gales, but is exempt in a great degree from the hindrances on the west coast, where the ocean wave is constantly impelled on the coast, constituting a continual break even in calm weather.

The great difficulty however in this river appears to be getting out, and the danger of being set through the rocks at the entrance,but it is possible in sailing vessels to avoid this, for we find that by keeping close to the north spit, a vessel would not be set through the rocks, but out in the channel. -

And in conclusion, Sir, I'cannot recommend any money being laid out beyond a perch at the elbow, and leading marks over the bar. I consider it as at present an available channel for the transport of goods by- decked vessels from Port Victoria, when commanded by competent persons, who are acquainted with it, and I should suggest that some local enactment should establish the safety of carriage, by enquiries into the character of the vessel, the stowage, and the master's efficiency. Throughout these suggestions I have beett desirous of preventing the Province from entailing expenses, which will I think appear to you (as to me) of doubtful advantage ; but, Sir, it appears to me that this rising Province will not long be satisfied with the present communication between the Port of Lyttelton and Cliristchurch, and I think the establishment of a small short substantial paddle-wheel steamer will be found an invaluable (indeed necessary) adjunct to the prosperity of Canterbury,- and there is ample room for such a vessel to turn. A small tug would answer admirably.

I also beg to suggest the propriety of ap-' pointing a nominal pilot to the Sumner; in doing so I do not think it necessary that he should be at present a salaried pilot, but that the nomination should be given to a person who might in consideration of present or future fees and emoluments hold the situation, and as conservator of the river, to remove snags and other nuisances as occasion requires •, he would also place beacons for leading over the bar ; he could prevent mischief being done in the discharge of ballast in the river, &c, by being empowered to prevent it. In connexion with this recommendation I mention Mr. George Bay's name, whom you appointed to accompany me, and whom I find an intelligent active man, and who, although occupied on his own account upon other duties, is frequently here, and would be willing and is quite competent to act, if I may use the expression, as honorary pilot or river conservator. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant, Bykon Dnonv,

Commander and Suvvey or His Honor the Superintendent of Canlerbu '