To the Editor of the " New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator.

New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, Volume II, Issue 126, 23 March 1842, Page 2

To the Editor of the " New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator.

Manewatu, March 15, 1843.

Sir, — Various reports having been circulated in Port Nicholson, respecting the bar of the Manewatu, detrimental to the interests of those having property, on the river, we deem it advisable through the medium of your paper to contradict them. It has been -reported by a party who has made several trips, that there were only eight feet on the bar at high water ; and that his vessel drawing not more than five feet had struck. It was also reported that some person had forded it at low water, and yet the Ann, drawing nine feet six inches, went in without striking under disadvantageous circumstances. The tide had fallen three feet, and from the direction and want of wind she was obliged to cross the ■ tail of the south spit, not having the pah open clear of the breakers, according to the' directions laid down in the Chart. The "Captain and Mate of the Ann. axe thoroughly satisfied as to -the correctness of the bearings and soundings laid down by Mr. Kettle in his Chart of the- bar, and .are likewise satisfied that all vessels entering the harbour according to its • "directions, and not drawing more than nine feet, may do it with perfect safety, as they will certify. It is their opinion, that if proper beacons 'were erected on the north and south heads, and one on the pah, it would render the entrance much easier, and by placing buoys on the tails of the north and south spits and paying attention to the tides, the bar might be taken at any time without the least danger. -A barrel painted red placed on a long pole would make

an excellent beacoQ, at a trifling cost r and" the river being thus rendered easy of access would much enhance the value of -the Company's Lands. J »"'..'. We have the honour to be, Sir, - ■ __~ Your obedient servants, ' John Kebbell. Thomas Kebbeli. * ' James Higgins, Master, and , John Bennett, Mate of the Ann.