E.— 9

4

Before, however, a final decision is arrived at by the Harbour Board with regard to the adoption of this design in its entirety, it is highly important that the site embraced by the complete system of works should be carefully bored, in order to remove all doubt as to the character of the bottom, and the presence, or otherwise, of rock above the depths described on the plan as those to be formed within the new basins. When in the colony I requested that a series of borings should be taken, but these have only been furnished to a very limited extent. "Whilst, therefore, the probabilities are that no rock will be met with above the depths indicated, I am unable, with the data now available, to give a positive opinion on the point. To what extent, if at all, the design might require modification can only be determined after the borings have been made. There can, however, be no doubt or question as to the propriety of adhering to the first instalment of the works laid down upon Drawing No. 2. Estimates. 1. Rubble training-bank on south side of proposed channel, extending from north end of £ Suir Street to within 450 feet of the west end of the existing wharf; also timber viaduct with embankments at each end of same to form approach from Gore Street, together with the requisite railways to connect with the present colonial system ... G9,320 2. Half-tide training-bank, formed of rubble stone, deposited from barges, on north side of proposed channel ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 10,300 3. "Wharf of timber, 1,000 feet in length, on south side of channel, and at east end of training-bank, including dry rubble wall and debris filling, to form additional width of roadway between wharf and training-bank, as shown by Figures 6 and 7, Drawing No. 4. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 27,000 Estimated cost of training-bank, wharf, and approaches ... £106,620 4. Patent Slip. —The requisite ironwork and machinery for the slip, delivered in the colony 9,000 5. Formation of foundations of piles and concrete cylinders, together with reclamation of site, forming pitched slopes, wharfing grid, engine-house, &c, together with the erection and fixing of the ironwork and machinery referred to in item No 4. ... 37,000 Total for patent slip ... ... ... ... ... £46,000 6. For three leading lights and one port light, as described on Drawing No. 5, with houses and apparatus complete ... ... ... ... ... ... ... £2,100 7. Permanent wharf of concrete.—lf it should be decided to provide a permanent face of concrete to the proposed wharf in the channel, of the character shown on the lefthand side of the view Fig 11, Drawing No. 4, in lieu of the timber-work, then add to item No. 3, as above, for the concrete face and debris filling, and for the formation of a road surface as shown ... ... ... ... ... ... ... £35,830 The foregoing estimates include a fair allowance for contingencies and supervision, as well as for the provision of plant. The quantities of work of the respective kinds have been computed from the detailed views shown on Drawing No. 4, and the rates at which the quantities thus arrived at have been moneyed out are based upon the local prices of labour and materials furnished from the colony. The mode of construction contemplated in each case is certainly not extravagant, and the works proposed —if carried out as recommended —would be found well adapted to meet the requirements of the case; and I am decidedly of opinion that less substantial structures would give rise to constant anxiety and expense. Whilst, therefore, I can say with confidence that the works suggested are neither stronger nor more substantial than experience has shown to be necessary, it is my duty to point out that the rates furnished to me (upon which as I have stated, the estimates have been based) are such as to render it not improbable that the works could be executed for a less total sum than hereinbefore stated. It may not be out of place to remark upon what might possibly be regarded as a disproportion between the cost of the ironwork and machinery (item No. 4 in the estimate) and the amount given as the probable cost of the slip foundations with the requisite adjunct works (item No. 5). The large expenditure upon the latter arises from the nature and great quantity of the work to be executed, in order to produce a satisfactory slip, having regard to the conditions of the site. Notwithstanding the outlay required, I feel convinced that the site selected, all things considered, is the best that can be adopted, and that no saving would be effected by resorting to any other position. New Railway-Station. On the plans I have indicated the site for a new railway-passenger station at the west end of the town, which will inevitably be required hereafter. 1 have ventured to refer to the subject, and to define what in my view is the best location for such a new station, seeing that the existing arrangements, involving as it does the running of passenger trains along the entire length of the town, and between it and the proposed works, is very objectionable, and will entail inconveniences which will be more and more felt as trade developes and the town increases. In conclusion, I have to express my obligations to Mr. Mitchell, the Chairman of the Harbour Board; Mr. Brunton, Engineer; Captain Thomson, Harbourmaster; and Mr. Serle, Secretary; each and all of whom facilitated, in every possible way, my inspection of the harbour and the surrounding locality. Here, as at the other ports visited, Mr. Blackett, Marine Engineer to the Government, greatly aided me in my inquiry and investigation. I have, &c, John Coode. The Secretary, Marine Department, "Wellington.