THE NEW PLYMOUTH BREAKWATER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9039, 27 April 1888, Page 5

THE NEW PLYMOUTH BREAKWATER.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Thursday. Mr. Blackett, Engineer-in-Chief, has presented a report to the Minister of Marine on the alleged accumulation of sand near the New Plymouth breakwater, and whether in his opinion it is probable that it will be a permanent injury to the harbour, and if so, the best means of removing it and preventing it again accumulating, with estimated cost of doing this. After fully describing the present works, Mr. Blackett says the accumulations have shallowed the water to such an extent that Mikotahi, formerly an island at high water, is now connected by a sand bar considerably above the level of high water, and the Band has found a way round tho end of the breakwater, forming a narrow spit across the entrance to the harbour, extending a distance of 450 foet, and barring to a certain extent the direct approach of vessels to the wharf erected insido the (breakwater. There is also a further deposit of sand along tho inner face of the breakwater, extending a length of 900 feet. and from 100 to 70 feet wide. Mr. Blackett does not agree with the opinion expressed by residents tUat the accumulation is from debris thrown into the sea, but contends that the supply of sand comes from the long stretch of sandy beach lying to the southwest of Paritutu and other islands. The approximate estimate of cost of various works is as follows :—Erection of rubble stone groin or wall between block yard and Mikotahi, including laying of rails to connect with present line to quarries, £1000. Construction of heavy rubble stone groin from Mikotahi to Lion Rock, including road and lino, £35,000 ; construction of heavy rubble stone groin from Lion Rock to Island of Moturoa, £10,000; wagon stocks, cranes, etc., £4000; contingencies, say £7000: total, £77,000. Of the items, the first should be carried out first. The work could be completed out of the funds now in the hands of the Harbour Board, viz., £1838. The other works might be spread over several years. The work should be well watched as it proceeded. Further work would be needed in tho removal of the sandspit already formed. Tho importance of maintaining such a harbour is great, and would justify exceptional measures to secure tho necessary amount required per year.