THE HARBOUR.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume I, Issue 9, 21 November 1857, Page 5

THE HARBOUR.

We cannot conceive a more glaring, and, w« may say, melancholy instance of the misgovernment, or ratherno government at all, under which Ahuriri ha 3 suffered, than the present condition of its harbour. Evidently, by nature, an admirable harbour for shipping — we see, day by day, from sheer neglect, its channels getting shallower and its mud flats more extensive. This change for the worse is particularly remarked by mariners who visit our port after a considerable interval — by such men, for instance, as Capt. Tuick, of the Clara, who, nine years ago, loaded 120 tons of produce within the Heads, and who, it will readily be supposed, can see a marked difference in the capabilities of the harbour and the facilities it affords to shipping — a difference, we are sorry to say, very much on the wrong side. That this state of things might be very easily remedied, we have abundant evidence ; and none stronger, perhaps, than the testimony of Capt. Charlton, who has addressed an excellent letter on the subject to the "Wellington Independent." The writer says, and we have no reason to doubt the accuracy of the remark, that, at a very trifling expense, the bar, which extends only three boats' lengths, could be removed. We are glad to see that public attention is being drawn to the importance of something being done in this matter. Indeed we are informed that propositions with regard to the formation of a Harbour Commission are likely to be submitted to his Honor the Superintendent on his present visit. We subjoin the letter of Capt. Charlton to which we have referred : — Allow me through the medium of your valuable columns, to tender my sincere and grateful thanks to his Honor the Superintendent of Wellington for the very valuable aid he has been the means of affording me, by the granting of boats and men, for the purpose of surveying the harbour and anchorage at Port Napier, and for further offers of assistance. Shortly after bringing the "Southern Cross" into Wellington, I rode up the coast to Ahuriri, returning by the steamer, to inspect personally the country and coast, and to satisfy myself of the safety and practicability of a large ship proceeding there to load. After carefully, leniently, and dispassionately examining every portion of Hawke's Bay, I have to report that the "Southern Cross," or any other ship now in the New Zealand trade, may with safety go there either to load or discharge. It gives me pleasure to support with my humble testimony the accuracy of Capt. Drury's survey, and his report, as appearing in the New Zealand Pilot (late edition), describing Ahuriri roadstead as a "very good one." lam happy to know that in the views I have advanced I have the confirmation of Capt. Rhodes, who knows the New Zealand coast well, of Capt. Kennedy, of your good sea going steamer "Wonga Wonga," and several whalers. While there I saw every vicissitude of wind and weather, being boisterous and calm by turns. So strong did the wind blow that I saw several boats drifting in the river, and, on the beach near the house of Mr. Munn, carried about 150 yards away and sustain considerable damage, but even under those circumstances the "Southern Cross," or any other ship there, would have been perfectly safe. On another occasion, at Waipureka, I saw a boat struck by a sea coming over the bar there, and stove in consequence of being thrown on the beach. I narrate those cases to show that I have not drawn my conclusions from having surveyed Hawke's Bay only in fine weather. I believe the whole of Hawke's Bay is safe for a ship to work in, and the roadstead, as Capt. Drury reports, very good. Capt. Drury mentions he was in hopes during his stay of being able to get into the harbour, and I have every reason to believe his expectation of getting ships into the harbour, drawing an equal draught of water to the survey ship, will be realised ere long. At a very trifling expense the bar, which extends only for three boat lengths, could be removed. On the bar there is 10 feet water, deepening suddenly to 30 feet on either side, and from a suggestion I offered to his Honor the Superintendent, and in which he acquiesced, I believe the bar will in a few weeks shew 14 feet at low tide. Within the harbour, the average depth of water is 14 to 16 feet, which might be easily made more, and from the constant care -which his Honor shows

for every portion of the Province, this may probably not be long in accomplishment. Mr. Park and Mr. Roy join me in believing Port Napier may be without much cost mnde a very excellent harbour, and his Honor, on Mr. Roy's return, has intimated his readiness to give every attention to our suggestion. I take this opportunity also of returning my thanks to the settlers in the Ahuriri for their hospitable and kind reception, and for the support they so readily guaranteed me in loading the "Southern Cross." In being the humble instrument of opening up a direct trade between Ahuriri and the mother country, it affords me much gratification to know my efforts have been so appreciated. I have the honor to be, &c, George Charlton, Commander of ship 'Southern Cross.'