9

E.—2,

pier, 1,240 feet in length, with a depth of water of not less than 20 feet at the lowest tides; it would be sheltered throughout by a high parapet runniug along the sea face, and furnished with a capacious shed for the reception of wool and other goods ; it would also be adapted for laying the lines of railway arranged in the manner indicated upon drawing No. 2. Erom D to H a jetty 350 feet in length, extending in about a south-east direction, should also be constructed. This jetty would prevent any undulation within the harbour from south-east seas, and at the same time provide an extra length of 350 feet of quay-berthing for ships along its eastern face; moreover, it would act as a training wall to guide the seas passing through the viaduct on to the beach, where they would have to do their work in propelling the shingle northward. Upon the completion of the permanent incline to connect the viaduct with the quay level, the temporary staging from D across to E, being no longer required, would be removed to afford access for ships to the new quays between these points. The works just described, with those to be constructed in the first instance, would comprise the whole of the design shown upon the drawings, and I apprehend that the scheme, if carried to the full extent proposed, would be amply sufficient for the wants of Timaru. I do not apprehend that these works, either in whole or in part, would exercise any prejudicial effect upon the travel of the shingle; they may, however, possibly cause some little accretion at first in the bight of Caroline Bay, which accretion, if it occur at all, would cease as the shore-line might be brought under the more direct action of the south-east seas. The proposed harbour would be easy of access, but during north-east winds it would be necessary for vessels leaving, either to be warped out a sufficient distance to get an offing, or to be towed out, as it is absolutely necessary that shelter shall be provided from the north-east, and at the same time that the main arm shall be in a south-easterly direction. This cannot be avoided, having regard to the configuration of the coast. I estimate the cost of the works as follows":— Eor the works recommended to be constructed in the first instance—viz,, the mound of blocks, 400 feet of quayage, the viaduct complete, and the temporary staging ... ... ... ... ... £240,000 Eor the works to be undertaken when the trade requirements render more extended quayage necessary—viz., completing the harbour and parapet walls, forming permanent incline, and constructing the jetty, so as to complete the designs to the full extent shown upon the drawings ... £79,000 These figures are based upon the supposition that the works are executed without the intervention of a contractor, as in the case of harbour improvements of a similar character now being constructed under my direction by the Colonial Governments of the Cape of Good Hope and Ceylon. Sufficient allowance has been made for contingencies, and for the provision of special plant adapted for the economical, and speedy execution of the works. The purchase of land, should the same be required, and the formation of the lines of railway upon and in connection with the quays and viaduct, are not included. It would have been much more agreeable to myself to have been able to recommend works involving a less expenditure than that named above, but, having regard to the peculiar conditions of the site, I regret to say that has not been practicable. I have now in conclusion the pleasing duty of acknowledging my obligations to the Agent for Canterbury, Mr. A. 0. Ottywell, for the many facilities which he has afforded to me since I have been engaged upon this investigation. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent of Canterbury. John Coode.

No. 7. REPORTS AND PAPERS RELATIVE TO OAMARU AND TIMARU HARBOUR WORKS, AS LAID BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. The Engineer-in-Chiee to the Hon. the Chairman of the Waste Lands Committee. Sir,— Wellington, 24th October, 187(3. I have the honor to submit the following answers to the questions asked by the Committee :— Ist Question.— Are you aware of the present condition of the Oamaru Harbour works ? Answer. —I have not seen them for some months, and do not know exactly the state in which they are at present. Whenever I visit Oamaru I examine the works, and have therefore a fair general knowledge of the state in which they are. 2nd Question. —If now stopped for a time, would there be any risk of injury to the works ? Answer. —There would be some risk of injury to the seaward end of the breakwater if a substantial pier-head were not built. 3rd Question. —-If resumed hereafter, would there be a waste of money through the stoppage ? Answer. —There would be a loss of money, as a pier-head would have to be built, the cost of which would be considerable. If the breakwater is carried on to completion, only one pier-head would be required at the end of the finished work. The plant now on the works would also have to lie idle, subject to deterioration, as long as the works were suspended. It is likely that compensation would have to be paid to the contractors for stoppage of the works; and, in any case, the interest on the money already expended in work and plant would be nearly all loss, as the incomplete works would be of comparatively little value. 4<t% Question. —What is your opinion of the harbour works now being undertaken at Oamaru ? Answer. —I am of opinion that they will be quite successful if completed with a north pier as well as the south pier now under construction. Should the north pier not be built, there is some risk of 2