CARLYLE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 6, 1 May 1880, Page 3

CARLYLE.

1-+ (FROM OCR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Carlyle, Friday. On Thursday week, at the invitation of Mr. G. F. Shrwood, chairman of the Patea Harbor Board, a party proceeded to the Heads in a large whaleboat, for the purpssc of viewing the progress made on the breakwater works and river improvements. The party included Mr. Thompson, Harbor Board Engineer; Mr Hunter, Public Works Engineer; Mr Woods, Harbormaster ; representatives of the Press, and a number of ladies and gentlemen interested in the object of the expedition. Landing at the shore end of the breakwater, the great extent of the work was at once apparent. A line of rubble work commences at this point, and extends a distance of 1200 feet seaward. For about 750 feet of this distance four combined courses of concrete blocks, Bx4x4 feet, have been laid ; the peculiar mode of laying the blocks showing the great strength and stability of the work. The curved lines are maintained with great accuracy. At the same time, we were given to understand that modifications had been made from time to time on the original plans, in order to repel the action of the river currents, heavy seas, and drifting sand. A powerful crane was employed in lifting and conveying the concrete blocks to the outer end of the work, where they were being laid. Already about 150 blocks bave been set, and a large number are ready for use. Those placed have resisted the action of the sea during the most furious gales. It is further intended to lay a solid course of concrete over the present work, 760 feet long, 4 feet deep, and 12 feet wide. On its completion, which is expected to be within four months, this solid block will be the largest of its kind in New Zealand. The effect of the work, so far as it has gone, has been marvellous, and must satisfy the most sanguine hopes of its promoters. The breakwater has been erected directly across the old bed of the river entrance, the seaward portion of which has filled up. The old beacon remains, but the channel's position has shifted about 2000 ! feet, and the course which, looking seaward, was formerly nearly south, is now as nearly west. Formerly, it was shallow and tortuous ; now, it is straight and deep. The average dimensions of the breakwater across the section are : — 50 feet at bottom, 20 feet at top, and 17 feet deep. The bulk of this being under water, only a small portion is seen ; but those figures afford an idea of the magnitude of the work. All who have paid it a visit lately have been very much pleased with the vast change made — the more so, when the comparatively small sum expended on the work is taken' into consideration. Experienced seamen, engineers, and others well qualified to judge, state that the improvements are of a permanent character, and that any of the coasting boats might easily enter the river, out of which runs a 6-knot current, which is quite sufficient to act as a thorough scour. The importance of this can hardly be over-estimated, and the residents in the county generally may be congratulated upon having already secured for their goods a means of water carnage, which is generally admitted to be more economical than any other. In conclusion, I beg to compliment the Harbor Board, and particularly its energetic Chairman and Engineer, on the ■ success which has hitherto attended their efforts. The Carlyle Football Club opened their season on Saturday last by a scratch game between sides picked by Messrs. Norriss and Coutts. The latter's side won by three goals, one try and several rouges, to one try. Very fast play was shown, and the accidents were only a couple of black eyes, a broken nose, and a few minor scratches — by no means sufficient to cool the ardour of the players. The Taumaki Reserve, Manutahi, 500 acres, with 1\ years unexpired term of lease, was offered for sale by auction by Mr. William Cowern on Saturday last, but was not disposed of. I understand it was bought in at £350. The new railway station is now gazetted to be on the east side of the Patea River and opposite the lower wharf. The question of personal interests being now settled in this manner, it is to be hoped that the Railway Works will go ahead immediately. The meeting of the Patea s.s. Company, advertised to take place last evening, was postponed on account of the report and balance-sheet not being prepared.