35

E.—9.

cement, which forms an important item of expenditure, when delivered at the works would cost about three times as much, and, further, that other materials range at high rates, it will be evident that any works which may be undertaken at Patea must of necessity involve an unusually large outlay compared with their extent. The sections, whilst they provide for substantial works, are, I believe, of the least expensive description which can be adopted to fulfil the requirements of the case as regards sea-stroke and scour, and at the same time to insure pormauence; nor would works of a less comprehensive character than those recommended suffice to accomplish the object in view, more particularly with regard to the attainment of the requisite depth in the entrance. With reference to this latter point, I may observe that, although when the works reach a depth of 8 feet at low water —namely, at the points B and D on Drawing No. I—considerable benefits will accrue from the entrance having been fixed, thus insuriDg the passage of the whole of the tidal and fresh waters over a duly proportioned and defined channel, nevertheless they should be continued to the full extent shown by the red tint —namely, to O and IE respectively, these being regarded as the terminal points of the first stage of the east and west piers, whereby a permanent depth in the entrance of 10 feet at low waiter, or not less than 16 feet at high water, of spring tides might be relied on. The execution of the piers and training sheeting contemplated in the expenditure of £197,290 would occupy about eight years: hence the outlay would be distributed over that period, the annual sums required during the first two or three years being relatively more than afterwards. If the funds necessary for the execution of the two piers at least to the points B and I), say, £130,000, be not forthcoming, deferring for a time the guide pier and training sheeting, I see no alternative but to postpone the improvement of the entrance until the necessary means can be provided for accomplishing the work in a proper and effectual manner. An exception may be taken to the use of wood to such a large extent in the proposed structures. In the case of the guide piers and training sheeting, if it should be found that rubble can be obtained of a suitable character and in sufficient quantities for the works, at a cost which would result in a saving as compared with the outlay required for the piling, then I would recommend that these works (i.e., the guide pier from F to O-, and the training banks from II to J, and -STto L respectively), should consist of rubble-stone in the form of mounds, their faces being left rough and without pitching. Mr. Thomson, in his reply to one of my queries, has stated that rubble of a medium size could be delivered on the south-east side of the river entrance at ss. per cubic yard: upon this price I have based my estimate of the cost of filling the east pier between the piled faces with a hearting of rubble-stone. Eor the piers the use of sheet piling to the extent shown on Drawing No. 2 is absolutely necessary, in order to provide for abnormal scour after completion; and if care be exercised in the selection of the totara, more particularly with respect to its being free from sapwood, there is every reason to anticipate that it will be found a satisfactory material. The use of concrete for the west pier would increase the cost of that structure to the extent of £29,000 beyond the sum named in Item No. 1 of the estimates. Removal of Obstructions. There can be no question as to the desirability of removing the obstructions which now exist to the free flow and ebb of the river currents, more particularly at the eel-weirs to which reference has previously been made. The removal of these weirs will undoubtedly increase the capacity of the tidal compartment, by lowering the low water and raising the high water in the upper reaches of the river above the bridge, as pointed out by Mr. Thomson. The removal of these obstructions is also very desirable, and will tend to improve the regimen of the river. Future Diversion of River above the Bridge. On Drawing No. 1 I have indicated, by crossed red lines, a suggested diversion of the river course immediately above the bridge, in order to obviate the two objectionable bends, and the consequent waste of current energy, to which I have previously referred. This diversion, although not absolutely essential, is nevertheless a work to be kept in view, and, when funds permit, should bo carried out upon the lines laid down. Bridge Abutment. I understand that one of the abutments of the bridge is being undermined. This should be examined, and, if need be, prompt measures taken for securing the structure. In conclusion, I have to express my obligations to Mr. Sherwood, the Chairman of the Harbour Board, to Mr. Thomson, the Engineer, and Mr. Wood, the Harbourmaster ; they each and all facilitated my inspection in every possible way. To Mr. Blackett my thanks are also due for his assistance at Patea, as at other New Zealand ports visited by me. I have, &c, The Secretary, Marine Department, Wellington. JonK Coode.

TAURANGA. Sik, — 5, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 29th November, 1879. I have now the honor to submit my report on the improvement of the harbour of Tauranga, in illustration of which I send two drawings—namely, No. 1, an Admiralty chart extending from the town to the sea, with soundings corrected up to February last; and No. 2, a plan, showing in detail the soundings made, in accordance with my request, at and near the shoal or bar which stretches across the navigation channel at the point where it joins the Waikareau, or Faulkner's Channel, about a mile below Mission Point. The shoal just adverted to constitutes the great, indeed the only serious, impediment to the passage of vessels of ordinary draught from the sea to and from the Town of Tauranga. The most effectual means of removing this impediment, at a reasonable outlay, will therefore form the subject of this report. The shoal in question is evidently due to the conflict of the large body of water running out from