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abundance of material of a high specific gravity, and of which a large proportion —probably one-half— could be got in blocks from five to ten tons weight. It is certain that a mound of stones of this weight would not long resist the transporting action of the sea, and it would have to be protected on the outer face by blocks of concrete, of not less than thirty or forty tons weight, thrown over the side of the work. But wherever a tolerably fair continuous foundation of rock can be obtained, a mode of construction like that in use at Oamaru would furnish so substantial a work, with the use of so much less materia], that there can be little doubt of its superiority. While this uncertainty as to the best mode of construction exists, it is impossible to form any accurate estimate of cost; but, after comparing the cost of the much more favourably situated works at Oamaru, we are convinced that a structure of the dimensions shown in the plan marked " Panagathos," which we consider are the smallest which would give the required accommodation, could not be completed under £250,000, and that it would not be prudent to undertake any work of this kind unless that sum could be definitely counted on. Given under our hands and seals this 13th day of December, 1877. Theoph. Heale. John Henderson,

Minutes op Proceedings. Commissioners : Theophilus Heale and John Henderson. We, the Commissioners, met in Wellington on the 20th November, 1877, and proceeded to Timaru on the 21st. On the 24th November we sat in the Harbour Board Office, at Timaru, and commenced to take evidence, and continued so to do day by day until the 29th November. On the 31st November we proceeded to Oamaru, and examined the breakwater and beach, and proceeded thence to observe the effect of the Kakanui Harbour works, returning to Wellington on the 6th December, since which time we have been discussing the evidence and drawing out the report which we now have the honor to present. Theoph. Heale. John Henderson.

By Authority : George Dibsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB79.