TIMARU.

Press, Volume X, Issue 1191, 31 August 1866, Page 2

TIMARU.

THE BREAKWATER. The following letter, writtou by Mr Balfour to the Provincial Government, previous to his survey of the beach at Timaru, appears in the " Herald," of the 25th instant: — Srn, —I have the honor to report, for the information of his Honor the Superintendent, that I have now paid a visit of inspection to the roadstead of Timaru, as personally arranged with the Provincial Government. While there, I carefully studied the report of the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the matter, and in the course of numerous conversations, obtained the opinions of a number of the residents, who, from their previous nautical training, and from their long acquaintance with the roadstead, seemed most likely to be conversant with the question. In addition, I examined with care the whole coast line from the southward of Patiti point to the northward of Caroline bay, with a view to ascertaining the best probable site for any artificial harbor works which might be contemplated. Having thus acquired as much information as is attainable without a further survey, I beg to report that on the whole I agree with the Commissioners, at least in many of their conclusions, and especially in considering the present, or " Cain's" landing-place, the best on the whole. Moreovei , , the works at present being carried out by Government at that point will probably prove of very considerable service, and it should always be kept in view that these works should if possible form a part of and be benefited by any more extended design. The general opinion at Timaru seems to be that an open screw-pile jetty, if practicable, would very frequently be of eervice, and I incline to endoree that opinion, as, during my stay at Timaru, there was, on more than one occasion, such a " break " on the shore as to prevent the working of the boats, though the " swell" outside the surf would not in the least have interfered with the traffic. The objection to any continuous stone pier or breakwater, urged by the Commissioners, that the shingle, travelling, as it undoubtedly does, to the northward, would tend to fill up the harbor when made, is a very serious one, and is probably fatal to any works in Caroline bay; but further investigation is necessary to establish with a reasonable amount of certainty the manner in which the shingle really travels. I think it probable, if a free opening were left between high water and half-tide levels (where alone the shingle is found to lie in any quantity) that even a continuous pier or breakwater could be erected outside of Cain's landing-place without danger of injury from intercepted shingle. My present opinion is that if the bottom of such nature as to admit of screw piles being employed, a jetty could be run out at a moderate cost, which would benefit the community, and I hope! that a farther investigation will show that it will be possible ata very trifling outlay to erect a small breakwater, or mound of roughly-dressed masonry, on the reef in such a manner as to protect the landing place to a considerable extent, without at the same time forming a " shingle trap." Should this prove the case, and the work be found really beneficial, the solid work may afterwards extend seawards " bit by bit," as the wants of the locality and the mm, of money may render such extension advisable. Before however giving a final opinion, or deciding on the works which should at present be recommended, and their cost, it is absolutely necessary that a further survey should be instituted. The existence of the very excellent survey by B, Woollcombe renders it unnecessary to take many eoundings, though a few will be required, but a number of borings outside the reef at Cain's landing are absolutely necessary, and certain observations on the travel of the shingle not less so. COBN CEOPS AT TEMtTKA. The same paper states-— : Nothing shows more forcibly the progress of this districtfcb.au the news we publish in our commercial columns of the wheat crop for the last, and in prospect for this season. Considering how very short a time the district has been settled by agriculturists, the return of the wheat crop evidences no lack of energy in turning the waste lands into profitable account! We have no return of other crops from the district, but the quantity of land broken up and in cultivation must be very large. There cannot be a question that in the course of a short time the Temuka district will not only grow sufficient for its own wants, but will export largely for the Australian market. We are glad to see that Mr Petrie has commenced business as an auctioneer in this district. This is a further sign of progress, and we truet that Mr Petrie will meet with the success his enterprise deserves.