HARBOUR.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 211, 18 April 1877, Page 2

HARBOUR.

[We are at all times ready to give expressing to every .shade of opinion, but in no case do we hold ourselves responsible for the sentiments of our correspondents.]

(TO THE EDITOR OE THE I’ATEA mail.) Sir—After careful study of report of Government inspector in connection with the Harbour, and watching the currents, winds, and breaking seas at the Hoads, 1 have come to the conclusion that to do anything at the Boulder Bank is a great mistake, and will be a groat waste of money. Having resided for twenty-one years in a bar harbour, and watched the effect of efforts made there to turn the channel, gives me some knowledge on the subject upon which I write ; and that, for four years prior to leaving for New Zealand, I commanded a yacht for two years, almost constantly,up and down the British Channel ; know the Bristol Channel currents and banks from Bristol to Lundy Island. Inspector, in report, only considers depth of water. I consider there are three natural difficulties. First; depth of water. Second : broadside sea. Third : head wind for nine months in the year. How are these to he met ? If work is started at Boulder Bank to deeper water, only one difficulty is met—and question whether that will he accomplished ; for, so long as the ocean water meets the river current so far above Boulder Bank, it will prove of no cfleet at the Boulder Bank. And, secondly, after the ocean water recedes, the river has not sufficient fall from West end of Narrows to Boulder Bank, to scour. Why not, then, turn the liver out by the West-head, by works from the South shore. The groin would, in that case, have twice the chance of security ; it will scarce have any sea to contend with : while, at the Boulder Bank, heavy sea, both from south-west, and north-west. By turning the river at the West-head, three difficulties will be met. There a vessel may run in before the sea, and in a few minutes is in safety ; while, from the Boulder Bank to the West-head, a side sea would he encountered, in which the vessel becomes unmanageable—the result being thrown on the South shore. Again, sir, by creating a channel, as I have intimated, vessels would not be kept outside so long waiting for a south-west wind, but would be able to come in with a north-west wind —and when inside, ami unloaded, not liable to so long detention, to the loss and inconvenience of those interested.—Yours, WELL-WISHER.