The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays) WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1878.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 329, 12 June 1878, Page 2

The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays) WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1878.

Ix last issue we intimated that modifi cations in proposed Patoa River Improvements had been made in interim report

furnished to Government, by Sir John Goode. A special meeting was held on Thursday at which report and plans were laid before Harborßoard, and a deputation was appointed to interview the contractor (Mr Wiliiam Dickson) about proposed alterations. We understand--that the Board had power to adhere to work as contracted I'or. or adopt proposals of Sir John Goode, as might, after consultation

with the contractor, be deemed advisable. A special meeting of the Harbour Board was held yesterday, when arrangements wore made with the contractor to proceed with the work as recommended by Sir John Goode, and, ns anticipated in last issue, the work will proceed without the slightest delay. The foundation stone will he laid on Friday next at noon, the committee having fully arranged for conveyance of passengers, free of charge, from Hirst’s and Milrov’s wharves at eleven o’clock —foundation stone to he laid at noon. The work proposed by Sir John Goode is of similar character to that designed by Mr Garnithers—the latter gentleman had hit upon the right principle, but not the simplest and least expensive way of attaining the desired cud. -Mr Carruthor’s plan, carried out in its entirety, would mean the formation of a sort of harbor at the Heads. Sir John Goode deems it sufficient to ensure deep water on the bar, the water in the river, once the bar is crossed, being sufficient for any purpose. He, therefore proposes, instead of constructing a groin along the boulder hank, and which ultimately would have to be considerably extended, to erect trainingwalls starting well within the river Heads, and ending in a slightly curved groin, the whole length of which will bo 700 feet—soo feet to ha rubble work, the remaining 200 feet concrete blocks. The work to be commenced on Friday will ha on the eastern bank of the river, as in Mr Garruther’s plan, heinga little nearer inshore. Fortunately there was but little difficulty in arranging with the contractor, as under the general conditions in the original contract, power Lad been reserved for any contingencies such as that which has arisen—and a schedule of prices to work by agreed to. The alterations have been assented to, and the contractor will proceed right on with the work, so soon as the ceremonial part of the arrangements arc over. In adopting the recommendations of so eminent an engineer as Sir John Goode, but one opinion can be expressed of the Board —that they have done well. Ultimately a great .saving of cost will be effected, though in the immediate future the outlay will be more than -was calculated upon when first portion of the eastern groin was contracted for. All the more need that settlers should work heartily and well together, and rejoice at the work now about to start. We anticipate a largo gathering on Filday, from all parts of the County, and at the ball in the evening. All should show by their presence, their appreciation of work already accomplished. Croakers and the miserly will say, “ Wait—the work may not stand—our pockets may be touched.” Cali! step forward now and enthuse, and encourage those who have worked well to further effort.