SEA ENCROACHMENTS.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 814, 18 May 1871, Page 2

SEA ENCROACHMENTS.

(To tlie Editor of the Westport Times and Cliarleston Argus). Sir, —In scanning your columns of Saturday last, I noticed a letter signed " Westportian," the second paragraph of which is as follows : " The serious encroachments of the sea threatening destruction to the principal portion of Westport is so momentous a matter that I feel bound to urge upon the inhabitants immediate action ; and understanding that a deputation, supported by the opinion of the highest nautical authority here, waited upon the powers that be, asking permission to assist nature by uniting the river with the sea in the most desirable place, met # with a flat refusal, and more than supineness—absolute indifference to the consequences." Touching that part of the above which speaks of the deputation being supported by the opinion of the highest nautical authority here, I can only say that if " Westportian ' considers me the authority he speaks of in this matter he is very much mistaken, as I know of no deputation except Messrs Falla and Hughes, who talked of waiting upon the Engineer, Mr Dobson, about cutting a channel through the North Spit, and I am almost certain that I neither approved nor disapproved of the undertaking to either of the two former gentlemen. I don't consider myself competent to give an opinion in such matters, consequently, I withhold it. I remember saying to Mr Hughes and Mr Bailie, that it would be a gigantic undertaking, and I think I expressed a doubt of its remaining open, if completed. Hoping that I have not intruded on your valuable space, I am, &c, S. A. Leech, Harbour Master. Westport, May 15, 1871.