THE COLONIST. NELSON, FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 1864. A FEW MORE WORDS ON HARBOUR IMPROVEMENT.

Colonist, Volume VII, Issue 663, 4 March 1864, Page 2

THE COLONIST. NELSON, FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 1864. A FEW MORE WORDS ON HARBOUR IMPROVEMENT.

In the remarks we made respecting the com? parative advantages offered by Nelson and "Wellington as proposed sites for the seat of the Colonial Government, no notice was taken of a project which would entirely remove the objection which some people are inclined to start on the subject of our harbour, and its entrance. We showed some ten days ago that our beautifully enclosed harbour in its entrance is susceptible of great improvement, by the removal of a reef which at present narrows the channel and impedes the efflux of the tide. But there is a better and more comprehensive improvement, one which sweeps away every tittle of objection, and, once effected, would render Nelson harbourage unsurpassed in New Zealand. "We have pointed out the tranquility which reigns in Nelson's large Bay when other places are suffering from the violence of a storm. The protected condition of Blind Bay, and its freedom from winds, have been well evidenced within the past few weeks ; and even within the last eight days. There were strong northeasters in Wellington harbour on Thursday, 25th ult., and still later, the steamers experienced very heavy weather in Cook's Straits, while Blind Bay enjoyed as usual the soft sea breeze during the day and the refreshing land breeze of night, untouched by the gales which blew boisterously outside. This makes the Bay an actual harbour, superior to the rival claims of Wellington's expansive, land-locked, but stormy inlet.

Outside our boulder bank the water deepens rapidly, and at a short distance from the bank there is never less, than five fathoms of water. If a pier or jetty were run across the harbour, out from tlje Government wharf and across the Boulder Bank, jutting out into deep water, a commodious and Bafe place for the largest ships to lie at would be found, and would be unsurpassed in New Zealand for accommodation, conjoined with safety. Por nine months in the year the excellent character of the weather, the mild land and sea breezes may be safely counted on. During the remaining three months we have rarely any winds which could prevent a vessel's lying at such, a wharf, and such an occurrence as a steamer having to lie in the bay with both anchors down and steam up to keep her head to the wind, or vessels lying riding at anchor in a gale for days together, is unknown here.

Such wharf could be made without much engineering difficulty. In no case would piles longer than thirty-six feet be required, and of that length only a few in the deepest part of the harbour where the coal hulk lies; Ordinarily, piles not much longer than 2(f feet would suffice. The wharf could be constructed with a double line of rails ; goods, passengers, and mails could be shipped and landed with facility and dispatch. It would be a charming promenade, but that of course is less a business or commercial point, though highly important as a recreative public enjoyment. It is true such an erection would divide our harbour into two; but it rarely happens that ships go into that part which would be cut off; and then only for repairs, on a cradle which lies near Haven Eoad. All repairs of this kind could he performed on the Boulder. Bank near to the harbour mouth, or on the other cradle which lies at another part of the harbour. For the passage of boats a moveable bridge could be^ constructed, to be open at stated intervals, and thus no appreciable impediment to ordinary traffic could accrue. But these are details which it is needless here to discuss. It is Bufficient to show, as we think we have done, that a work of this kind, not difficult of construction, would make Nelson harbour all that could be desired as the port of the Capital of the Colony.