SURVEY OF HEREKINO HARBOUR (REPORT ON A, BY CAPTAIN FAIRCHILD).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1889 Session I, H-38

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1889. NEW ZEALAND.

SURVEY OF HEREKINO HARBOUR (REPORT ON A, BY CAPTAIN FAIRCHILD).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

Captain Paibchild, s.s. " Hinemoa," to the Secretary, Marine Department. Sir, — Kaipara, 17th June, 1889. As directed by you, I made a rough survey of the harbour of False Hokianga, or Herekino. I find the harbour is only safe for a small, steamer of about 7ft. draught and in fine weather. There is a large sandbank in the centre of the harbour, with a very narrow channel on both sides of it; the south side is the best at present. A small steamer could anchor off a small sandy bay on the south side, but she would ground at low-water, with the danger of grounding on her anchor. I regret I had not time to examine the river farther up, as the river narrows, and no doubt deep places will be found where a steamer could lie afloat at low-water and be safe. Slack high-water would be the best time to enter, for if a vessel went in with a strong flood-tide she would be almost certain to get on the middle bank, as the tide sets very strong right over the bank. I send you a rough sketch of the mouth of the harbour. I have, &c, The Secretary, Marine Department, Wellington. John Faibchild. [Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, nil; printing (1,200 copies), 11b.J

By Authority: George Didsbury, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB9.

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