E.—2a.

selected by Government as the best authorities that could be obtained, and free from bias, and they can well bear comparison with any in the colony with respect to their experience, ability, and aptitude for the duties assigned to them. They did not affect to ignore the shingle, but carefully took all the evidence that was available, and came to a decision for a solid breakwater, believing that the amount of shingle travelling was not so great as generally represented and reported upon ; and the result bears out their judgment, for the amount of shingle accumulated to the south of the breakwater is small compared to what was expected, and it is not following up the work as fast as it is constructed, as asserted by some engineers that it would, nor in the manner represented in the drawings attached to Mr. Lowe's reports —it is now left far behind. Mr. Blackett goes on to state that the Harbour Board should be held liable for the protection of the beach and railway works north of the breakwater. It would be well worth considering if the railway were placed in the position it should have been, and whether the railway engineers were not to blame for carrying the line in such close proximity to the sea against prevalent popular opinion. Under these circumstances whose is the responsibility? And is Mr. Blackett justified in his recommendation to " stop the building of the breakwater at once, and afterwards to remove or break it up, so as to lessen its prejudicial effect on the beach, the adjoining lands, and the railway works to the north." ? That is, to destroy a useful undertaking, and to keep back a thriving township—the natural outlet of one of the finest agricultural and pastoral districts in New Zealand —and to deprive a coast of 150 miles of a harbour refuge where it is much needed ; and all this sacrifice for a few chains of railway that has been injudiciously laid out, and which would soon be effectually protected by the very works which Mr. Blackett wishes to destroy. I have, &c, John Goodall, C.E., The Chairman, Timaru Harbour Board. Engineer, Timaru Harbour Board.

By Authority: Giobsi Didsbubt, Government Printer, Wellington. —1880. Price, 9d.]

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