PATEA BREAKWATER.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 416, 12 April 1879, Page 2

PATEA BREAKWATER.

The present excellent condition of the entrance to the Patea. River should give . encouragement to settlers and others, as it is a good indication as to what the future or oar port will be. It is now almost a matter of certainty that the breakwater will answer the purpose for which it was erected. There were those amongst ns who, before the commencement of the works, stated that money spent in trying to make the Patea River any different from what it then was, would bo equal to throwing it into the sea ; but these predictions have fallen to the ground, as the work is every day proving more beneficial. Those who have visited the Heads before and after the starting of the breakwater, must notice a great change in the appearance of the river near its entrance. Before the works wore carried out so far as they are at the present time, the river ran along the south bank, and being very crooked, was at times dangerous to vessels inward or outward bound, more especially if there happened to bo a moderate sea running, as it struck them broad-side on, and without the greatest exertions were used, they would bo cast ashore ; in fact, several vessels have met this fate. .Now, the scene has changed. The old course is filled up with sand, and a new one formed, which is straight and easy of access. This change from a crooked to a straight course, allows the current full play, and there is little likelihood of sandbanks forming, as the water at low tide rushes down with a tremendous speed, carrying all obstacles before it. We hope soon to see a little more of the north bank earned away, as this will widen the river near the breakwater. Some time ngo, an ugly bank showed up nearly opposite the Boiling Down Company’s works, which divides the channel, but there is very little doubt hilt t.lml flilc y!ll I-" away by the action of the current, which runs near this spot at from 6 to 10 knots at low water. Along the river side of the breakwater a green ridge is observable some few feet above the present lowwater mark, and we were informed by the Engineer (Mr Thomson) that this was as far as the work could be proceeded with in a downward direction, a short time back. The bed of the river having been cleaned out, accounts for this; and more stones will now be placed along the bottom, so as to protect and strengthen the work already done. Just above the breakwater, a bed of shingle shows out prominently, and it was here that the Patea, lost her fans. Another shingle bed is visible on the opposite side, but these will do no harm, if properly buoyed. A large number of concrete block are ready to be laid down, and when all are in their places, vessels of much larger tonnage than those at present trading here will be able to enter the Patea River safely. Some may think wo arc premature in our remarks, and that we should have waited till the whole of the present contract was completed before we gave an opinion ; but We may say that we have watched the effects of the breakwater from the commencement, and see no reason why it should not prove a success. The Patea Harbor Board should feci proud that such works are being carried out under their instructions.