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South Canterbury Times, Issue 2277, 5 July 1880, Page 2

Tun Break-water continues to he a subject of much mystification. Beyond the monolith and the blocks that appear above the surface, all is doubt and uncertainty. The diver, who ■frequently, according to current rumour, goes beyond his depth, is the only individual who, seemingly, knows much about the structure. We were under the impression that after Mr McGregor's report all doubt about (he tumbling outwards of the southern blocks would have been set at rest, hut we have been mistaken. The displacement of these bottom blocks is not due to any id: the causes assigne.l. The nrigin of all the mischief, like that of many tiros, is still a myst-Ty, Home light is still required to clear up the undeveloped InilJi. Various causes have h-“eu attributed—suction, friction, scour, gravitation, and the like. I |> till lately the members of the Harbor Board were assured that the blocks on the south side of the Breakwater were built on (lie hare rock. Hr Me' < regor’s report (ells (hem (hat (hey have been propped up with hags of concrete. We are assured, however, (hat even Mr McGregor is somewhat in the dark. Although the Board’s engineer admits ih.al, the hags were used to make even the sloping reef, it is stated (hat (ho late contractors deny Inn ing done anything so stupid. .Messrs Allan and Stumbles, we are told, are quite willing to admit having Idled up crevices and built up some portions on the north side of the structure with hags of concrete, but they are perfectly convinced (hat no hags were laid as alleged along the, southern face. Now if any one should know how the foundations of the Breakwater have been laid, it ought to he the contractors and the Board’s engineer. 'The question is a most serious one. It is not a matter of opinion,hut a question of fact. If the Board were misled in ti e lii-st instance, when they wore Jed to believe that (he blocks wore laid on the bare roof, surely the}' were entitled to have the simple facts laid in an indisputable form before them when Mr McGregor’s report was considered.. The question now rests, like the Breakwater itself, on a rather unsatisfactory basis. If our information is correct, the engineer and the contra;;tors are at variance ou a most important point regarding the way in which the Breakwater has boon constructed. If the Board cannot get the “correct tip” from their own officers, to whom are they to apply ? Their condition, in such a ease, must indeed he helpless. An enquiry into the whole matter is urgently demanded. The Harbor Board cannot submit to ho blindfolded. The public—the Government of the country—look to the members for reliable information as to how the money entrusted for Harbor works is being expended. The members ought to he accurately posted up respecting the foundations and .superstructure. It should he unnecessary to impress on them the desirability of having this matter thoroughly cleared up.