SOUTH AUSTRALIA.—NEW TOWNS.

New Zealander, Volume I, Issue 52, 30 May 1846, Page 3

SOUTH AUSTRALIA.— NEW TOWNS.

Port Adelaide, Feb. 17th, 1846. Sir—l have the honor to forward, for the inspection of His Excellency the Lieutenant-Gover-nor a report on the capabilities of "Rivoli " and "Guichen" Bays, from a surrey of which I have lately relumed. "Rivoli Bay," lying perfectly open to the south west, is unfit for affording proper shelter to square-rigged vessels. Small craft may, if well found in ground tackle, in cargo, butl fear it will be difficult' to ride there with the wind from N. W. to S. W. It would be expedient for vessels trading to this bay, to lay down -stout moorings, as it would be found extremely .inconvenient to weigh heavy anchors, owing to the strong ground swell and shoal water. "Guichen Bay," is situated ten or twelve miles south of Cape Jaffa, or, as it is sometimes called " Cape Bernouli " •It affords a safe anchorage in against every wind,iand throws from the south point, called "CapeDorabey,"an extensive ledge of rocks which is* nearly dry when thetide is fallen, and serves as a breakwater for the outside swell. In the middle of the bay , and in adirection N. N. W from "Cape Doinbey"lies "Godfiej Island," from which i extend two feefs, one towards the main - land with aN. E. bearing. As for the distance of five miles the soundings do not vary six inches in a straight line, with a perfectly smooth bottom, the place of anchorage is free from heavy seas.' — 'The soundiugs are regular, not exceeding seven fathoms in any part of the bay. The shoals from the island, as well as from "Cape Dombey," are plainly to be discovered through the breakers formed upon them ; and large vessels will, by keeping in mid-distance between the island and the south point of the bay, find ample room without danger from either, anchoring three-quarters of-a mile from the sttore in live fathoms of water,w ater, "Cape Dombey," bearing we*t. ' As the beach is everywhere, and at all' times, free from surf, the only requisite for loading*vessals would be a small jetty for the, purpose of keeping boats afloat whilst taking- in> cargo: and I feel persuaded that wool ships might, after taking in there dead weight at Port Adelaide, proceed to "Guichen Bay" for wool-with both convenience and safety. The approach is extremely easy,,since, after making "Godfrey Island' 1 (which presents itself as a remarkable feature) the navigator has only to steen through a passage three miles wide, keeingat, and "Cape Dombey" at equal distance oneither side, thereby avoiding all danger fiomthe reefs. An extensive ledge of rocks, reaching ten or twelve miles from "Cape Jafta'/'towards "Godlrey Island" operates as an additional break to the water from without leaving the anchorage free from swell, and giviny to the place the chai acteristics of a sound rather than of a bay. In conclusion, I have only to express my opinion that "Guichen Bay" will be found of essential advantage, not only as an outlet for the produce derived from that part of the Province, but also as a port of refuge for vessels sui prised in a gale of wind whilst proceeding along the coast, a protection hitherto much needed. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient humble servant,

Thos. Lipson, Naval Officer and Harbour Master. Hon. the Colonial Secretary,