HARBOR BATTLE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 299, 10 May 1913, Page 8

HARBOR BATTLE.

A HAWKE'S BAY QUESTION. , Napier, 'May 7. A new element is being introduced in connection with the harbor battle in this district. For some time attention has been directed to rival schemes of breakwater and what is known as the inner harbor. A movement is now on foot to make a harbor near Cape Kidnappers, about fifteen or twenty miles fr,om Napier, tnd eight miles from Hastings. Messrs Fowler, McCormick, George, Cook and Clapham motored to Clifton and were met by Mr, F. Gordon and* conducted to the site of the suggested harbor.

The party was much impressed with the effectiveness of what is known as the "Black Reef," which runs out,a mile and a-half into the sea, affording complete protection to everything inside from all points except the north-east, for which a breakwater would have to be provided. There was a heavy sea from the south, and outside the reef the waves were very rough, while inside the water was as calm as a duck pond. The reef is situated about half a mile on the Clifton side of Gannct's restingplace, and there is ample depth of water inside, and plenty of accommodation for all kinds of shipping. The small bays in the vicinity could be reclaimed at comparatively small expense, and, as far as ti'e locality is concorned, the visitors were quite satisfied that it provides every facility for . a splendid harbor. The great difficulty arising would be the almost certain necessity to drive a two-mile tunnel through the cliffs in order to establish railway communication with Hastings. The cliffs, however, are just shingle, and the driving would not be hard—no worse, if as bad as, the ChWstchurchLyttelton tunnel. The alternative to the tunnel would be a training wall along the beach to protect the railway lino, but this is not considered seriously, and, as stated, the railway communication presents the cardinal obstacle. , It is the intention of those interested to have a professional opinion on the question.