WELLINGTON.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 6496, 26 April 1888, Page 3

WELLINGTON.

April 26. Mr Blackett, Engineer-in-Chief, has presented his 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 harbor, and, if so, the best means of removing it, and preventing it from again accumulating, with the estimate of the cost of doing this. After freely describing the present works, lie says the accumulation of Band has shallowed the water to such on extent that Mikotahi, formerly an island, is considerably above tho level of high water, and tho sand haa found its way round the end of the end of the breakwater, forming a narrow spit across the entrance of the harbour extending a distance of 450 feet, and barring to a certain extent the direct approaches of a vessel to the wharf erected inside the breakwater. There ore also found further deposits of sand along tho inner face of the breakwater, covering a lengeh of 9 0 feet, and from 100 to 70 feet in width. Mr Blackett does not agree with the opinion of the residents that this accumulation of sand is from debris thrown into the sea, but contends that the supply of sand comes from the long stretch of sandy beach lying south-west of Paritutu and other islands. The approximate estimate of cost of tho various works is as follows : — Erection of a rubble stoDO groin or wall between the block yard and Mikotahi, including the laying of rails to connect with the present lino to the quarries, £10,000; construction of heavy rubble stone groin from Mikotahi to Lion Rock, including road and line, £56,000; construction of heavy rubble stone groin from Lion Rock to the island of Moturon. £10,000, waggon, stock, cranes, etc., £4000, contingencies say, £7000, total, £77,000. Item the. flat should be carried out first, and the work could be completed out of the funds now in hand of the Harbour Board, vi?;., £1838. Other works amounting to £6000 might be spread over Beveral yean. The work should be well watched as it proceeds. Further work would be needed in the removal of the sand spit already formed. The importance of maintaining such a harbour is great, and would justify exceptional measures to socure the necessary amount required per year.