THE SEA ENCROACHMENTS.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 640, 2 April 1870, Page 2

THE SEA ENCROACHMENTS.

"While river improvement and riverbank protection works are being undertaken, it is well for the inhabitants of "Westport not to forget that the sea continues to be a source of danger to their properties. At the suggestion of some who have interested themselves in the matter, steps have been taken by the G-overnment to execute an experimental work and to defray its cost; but to carry out the works necessary, in the event of the experiment exhibiting any merits, holders of property will themselves require to contibute to the outlay involved. Any further expenditure by the Government will depend upon the exertions of the public, or of those whose properties may be considered more immediately at stake. The following letter from the Provincial Engineer, Mr Blackett, to a resident who feels himself interested, explains the character of the work contemplated, and the conditions upon which it is undertaken ;

Deab Sib,—ln reply to your request that I should give an opinion in writing as to the probability of any protective works being of service in preventing further encroachments of the sea at Westport North Beach, I have to state that either a breastwork along high water mark, or groins run out into the sea, or the two combined in preference, would answer the purpose. A groin or two would bo most easily applied, and with the most speedy result—with the minimum of cost.

The kind of work I sbould recommend would be strong timber frame-work enclosing a mass of stones thus in sections. [A sectional diagram is here given.] I may state that the Proviucial Secretary has authorised the outlay of a small sum of money in erecting an experimental groin, which would form part of a more permanent

work in the event of subscriptions being forthcoming to supplement any further Government expenditure. For this I have prepared a plan and have accepted a tender from Mr D. M'Leod for its erection at once.

Should its action in its immature state not be satisfactory, I have no doubt of its efficiency and durability when the design is fully carried out.

A modification of the work would answer for a breastwork backed by stone. We may state that the material to be used in the construction of the groin is some timber saved from the wreck of the protection works, or intended for that purpose. The stone or shingle is on the ground. Judged by diagram, the plan is a very feasible one, as calculated to deflect the northward current by which the scour is caused; but decidedly more than one groin will be required.