E.—2a

8

This would come to about £3,000 per mile without rolling stock, for which £500 per mile may be added, and which would be ample. I have given this matter my careful consideration, and have come to the conclusion that the construction of the railway line will answer the purpose best for nearly every reason. It will give the means of opening up other coal fields, and induce a timber export trade. It will be observed that I have not entered, any sum in the estimate for wharf accommodation at the Buller. This will undoubtedly cost a considerable sum, but I am not yet prepared to give the figures. H. P. lIIGOINSOX, Superintending Engineer. Nelson, 17th June, 1873.

Enclosure B. Mr. 11. P. Hioginsox to the Ejcciixeee-ix-Chief. REPORT ON THE RITER BULLER, AT WESTPORT AS REGARDS PROTECTION TO THE TOWN AND IMPROVEMENT TO THE NAVIGATION. This report may be taken as a continuation of that recently made by me on the best means to be employed for exporting'coal from the Ngakawau Mines, in which I propose the Eiver Buller as the port for shipment at the termination of a line of railway. The construction of this line will necessitate a certain amount of wharfage being provided, and which will at the same time serve as a protection to the banks of the river. According to instructions received from the Hon. the Minister for Public Works, I made a thorough examination of the river as far up as the Snag Fall, accompanied by Mr. A. D. Dobson, Provincial Engineer, and Captain Leech, Harbour Master, in order to form an idea as to the damage caused by the recent floods, and what amount of protection was necessary; and also the effect such protection would be likely to have on the course of the river and navigation over the bar. It is evident, from the result of the last flood, that unless works of the above nature are quickly undertaken, further damage to the banks and consequent loss of property must ensue. That requiring the first attention is undoubtedly the overflow-channel near the Snag Fall which conveys the flood-water from the Buller into the Orawaiti. The recent flood left undoubted proof that a large body of water, some 10 chains in width, in places running 12 feet deep, had overflowed at this point. The dense bush growing there had formed the only barrier to the water. Large quantities of driftwood were piled up against the trees, forming a tolerably efficient dam. This held back the water to a great extent, retaining it in its proper channel. It will be seen from this, and a glance at the plan attached, that the river threatens to break through here ; in fact, should the bush be destroyed by accident, nothing could prevent the river dividing. The town of Westport would then be placed on a delta —a very dangerous position. From the Snag Fall to tho town, the bush has hitherto been the sole protection to the banks. No steps appear to have been taken for its preservation, and it is being day by day destroyed, in many places cut down for the purpose of feeding cattle. I recommend that through the township a width of at least 1 chain, from there to the Snag Fall a width of at least 5 chains from the bank of tho river, bo fenced off. Near the falls, a total width of 20 chains bo fenced, and tho bush strictly preserved. Also, that where necessary, willows be thickly planted to replace the bush destroyed. Should this not be done, the consequences must be that the banks will crumble away under the effects of each flood, and load eventually to expensive works becoming necessary for a long distance above the town. The necessity for such measures being taken is obvious to any one, as wherever the bush has been cleared the floods have cut into the bank in a serious manner. At the overflow channel near the Snag Fall, I recommend that a substantial bank be constructed, extending completely across the low ground through which tho flood-waters find their way. This can be built of soil taken from behind its position, and should be raised well above the highest flood-marks ; the river slope should be flat, and protected by large river shingle over the whole surface. The best position for it would be behind the existing piles of driftwood, which, if left, would of themselves form a shield from the force of flood. It should be four or five chains back from the bank of tho river, which should also at this point be sloped and covered with stone. This bank would not be under tho influence of a strong current during floods, as being placed some distance back in the bush, the force of the stream is broken. When completed, this bank should be planted with willows, as also the open ground between it and the river, on which the original bush has been destroyed. The main channel of tho Buller appears to have left this bank, and runs nearly in the centre. To encourage this, and if possible induce it to take the other side completely, I recommend that all snags on that (south) side, should be cross sawn, but those near the north bank left in their present position. I estimate the cost of these works as follows: — £ Constructing earth stop bank ... ... ... ... ... GOO Shingling the face ... ... .. ... ... ... 530 Planting willows ... ... ... ... ... ... 30 Sawing snags ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 20 £1,180 236 £1,416 This would be sufficient to check the threatened change in tho courso of the river, and cannot be too quickly carried out. In order to protect the banks through the township as far as the mouth of the river, the matter becomes more serious, both in point of cost and the effect likely to be produced on the river channel, and the depth of water on the bar at the entrance.