Original Correspondence.

New Zealander, Volume 4, Issue 229, 9 August 1848, Page 2

Original Correspondence.

To the Editor of the New Zcalander. Sir.— Much has been written, and more has been said, respecting the streets and roads of Auckland and its vicinity : and many have been the suggestions propounded in remedy of their defects—hitherto 1 regiet to add, with little prospect oF success— the finest ma terials in the world continuing to be buried, most unscientifically, in the gorges miscalled streets. _ Without drainage, under and surface, no lasting improvement can be expected, and as the drainage of the town and the efficient construction of its streets is of paramount importance not only to health and comfort but to commercial prosperity, I take the liberty of trnnsmitting a sketch of the manner by which, if acted upon, the streets and highways would be permanently imp'oied. The drawing 1 , yon will observe, is of a peculiar shape, like that of an epg with the small end downwards. Such a plan of sewerage I brought under the notice of the Corporation of Sydney, through the pages of the Herald (wliose pi oprictors wci c at the expense of engraving my design)' in November, 1844. Although the Sydney Corporation did not adopt the principle suggested by n<e, I have, nevertheless, the satisfaction of knowing that the egg shaped sewer has been lecommendcu by the London Sanitary Commission of which Edward Chadwick, Esq., is Chan man. The ad vantaees of this plan of sewer consist in bring more permanent and effective. The smallest quantity ot water will cieate a sufficient current to keep it clear of those obstructions, so frequent in flat bottomed sewers. Its capacity does not require to be so great, and the cuttings in the sticcts for its constmction are much smaller and of a nature less injurious to the soil on which the street is to be formed. The side drains placed in the position, shown in the plan, will collect all water that may percolate through the metal foiimng the street, or from the under soil, carrying it into tne central drain or sewer, and consequently preserving the foundation of the load firm anil sound. These drains may be of triangular form and of brick. You will perceive that 1 commence my road by pitching tolerably large stones with their largest surface to the soil, filling in with smaller pieces and finishing in the usual Macadam style. The kerb stone forms one side of the gutter and the bottom or other side is of one stone. This gutter is of annular shape, and, in my opinion, both more economical and effective. Lest 1 should extend my letter to an inconvenient length, I shall bring it for the present to a close, but may at some future period, say something on the alignment and level of stieets. Apropos the levels of the streets weie judiciously brought before the public, in the columns of your cotemporaiy, on the 29th ult. I hope " Observers" remarks may be productive of some good effect. Your obedient servant, A Citizen.

[Anxious to impart vitality to every suggestion of a i racticai character, we Uhyq imitated the good example

of the Stjdnai Hcudd, and have had engravings made of " A Citizen's" pl.ms ol drainage and sewerage, in illustration of bis sensible and helf demonstrative communication. We sincciely trust that something may eve long; lie attempted in amelioration o( o\n streets and thoroi-hfares ; lor, if much longer neglected, tuiflic will be out of the question-— Ed. iV. 'l."\

To tJte Editor of th* New Zedlander. SrR, — The schooner Deborah, under my command, being in the stream and on the immediate point of •ailing for Auckland, on Monday afternoon, the 24th. July, I deemed it my duty, as two English maili had arrived in Sydney, to proceed to die private residence of the Postmasiec-Generdi of that city, to proffer my services in conveying the Auckland portion of that mail to its destination. To this Mr Raymond replied thac he never entrusted mails to cattle ships, and that lie had given them to the Emma, then taking in cargo. I remain, Sir, Your obedient servant, J. Naglk. Tueiday evening, August 8, 1848.