H.—l3.

bay is sheltered from southerly winds, but these cause the sea to break on the north head, and no landing can be effected at the north end of the bay during a southerly wind. During north and north-easterly winds the north end of the bay is well sheltered and the water calm ; and at the south end, unless it blows very hard, a small boat can usually enter the river with safety, except, perhaps, towards the end of the ebb tide, when the sea breaks on the bar. Building Materials. Stone. —The north head and part of the south head are composed of yellow limestone rock, and a considerable portion of the south head is igneous rock. Specimens of these rocks have been left at your office. Although the limestone rock is not very hard it seems to improve by exposure, either in air or entirely under water, and I consider it would be suitable for the construction of a mole or breakwater if used as " pierres perdues," up to the level at which the work would begin to be exposed to the direct action of the waves. Blocks of any required size could be easily procured. The igneous rock at the south head is of a hard quality, but I doubt if large blocks of it could be obtained. It might, however, be used with advantage in the construction of beton blocks for the upper portion of a breakwater. Gravel. —There is a moderate amount of gravel in the bed of the Waikouaiti, at a distance of about two miles from the south head. Shingle. —An unlimited supply of shingle, suitable for concrete blocks, is obtainable from the Shag Valley, near Palmerston, a distance of about ten miles from the north head. The railway runs over the shingle-beds, and a short branch line might be constructed from Waikouaiti Railwaystation to the work, which would afford an easy means of transport. I have, &c, W. H. Scott.

By Authority: Geobgb Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB3.

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