WAIMAKARIRI HARBOUR IMPROVEMENT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17193, 13 June 1916, Page 10

WAIMAKARIRI HARBOUR IMPROVEMENT.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —In your issue of flie Bth inst., in tho 'report of the Lyttelton Harbour Beard meeting. Dr Tlinelcer, M.P-, is reported to have said “ that Mr J. H. Blackwell, Mayor of Kaiapoi, bad stated that the Waimakariri harbour would be made a better one than Lyttelton.” While appreciating the kindly references of Dr Thacker to the spirit in which the Waimakariri improvement scheme is being supported by the people, of the district, he has evidently been misinformed regarding tiio above statement, which J have not made. Ihe "Waimakariri proposal is a modest one, tho main essential being to provide a permanently workable good channel at the bar. as the liar vagaries cause intermittent blockages to shipping at present. Mr Holmes. Chief Marine Engineer for tho New Zealand Government, has reported on the question, and recommended a training wall; estimated cost at then ruling prices, .€13,000. A further engineering report approved Mr Holmes's scheme-—with some addition to estimate—as being what Is necessary to make a satisfactory port at Kaiapoi. The Harbour Board are satisfied that the whole scheme proposed can be effected at from £20,000 to £25,000. Interest at current rates, with .sinking fund, oft tho maximum amount of €25,000 is 'more than covered by a rate of one-fifth of one penny on the capital value of the present Waimakariri harbour district. Tho promoters are satisfied that with regular trade with, suitable steamers tho scheme will he self-supporting. In addition, producers and consumers will save some thousands of pounds in the handling direct at Kaiapoi of timber, coal,- stock, grain, produce and general coastal-borne traffic.—l am, etc., J. H. BLACKWELL. Kaiapoi, June 12.