7

D.—3

Recommendation. I have had some hesitation in taking the responsibility of recommending any works to be undertaken, of such an economical character as were alone practicable for the funds stated to be available. Presuming, however, that no further funds can be obtained, and in view of the very deplorable state of things existing at present, and the great benefits which the additional works indicated on the drawings herewith are likely to produce, as compared with their estimated cost, I have decided to take the responsibility of recommending their being undertaken. I now beg to recommend accordingly, for the approval of the Board, that the designs herewith enclosed be adopted ; also that the works thereon indicated be put in hand as soon as practicable, in order to admit of their being carried out during the present summer weather. This is of course presuming that the Board can see its way to realise the amount required, from the assets hereinbefore described, or otherwise. While making this recommendation, however, 1 would wish to strongly represent the necessity for great care and attention being given to the work during the course of its construction, and for some time afterwards. If the funds admitted of it, designs could of course readily be made (much more readily in fact, than designs of the character enclosed can be made) which would stand practically anything, and might consequently be carried out almost anyhow. The funds apparently available, however, will not admit of that, but they do admit of works being constructed which have a very reasonable prospect of succeeding, if due care is devoted to them. There seems to be no reason why such care should not be forthcoming, seeing that the saving in first cost, as compared with solid concrete work, or such like, is very large. Conclusion. In conclusion, 1 would wish to acknowledge, with thanks, the courtesy and assistance which I experienced at the hands of the Chairman, and members, and the Secretary of the Harbour Board, during the course of my investigations at Gisborne, extending over a period of a fortnight or thereabouts ; and also to acknowledge, with many thanks, the very valuable assistance and information given to me by Mr. Gold-Smith, Chief Surveyor at Gisborne, and by his assistants, especially Mr. Armstrong, Assistant-Surveyor. For the information given as to the rainfall in the Gisborne district, and the consequent discharge of the Turanganui Eiver, I am indebted to the very valuable records, kept for many year past—as a labour of love—by the Venerable Archdeacon Williams. I would wish also to remark, as my comments on adopted design may appear somewhat adverse, that I think it my duty to state that the actual construction of the work, as carried out under Mr. Thomson's supervision, has been, in my opinion, most excellently done. The arrangements and organization for carrying on the work were thoroughly able and efficient, and the machinery was as perfectly adapted to the requirements as it is possible for any machinery to be. The cost of the concrete work has consequently been abnormally cheap, sufficiently so indeed, as compared with the usual cost of such woik, for the saving to have almost covered the depreciation in the value of the plant, machinery, and appliances up to date, and more than sufficient to have fully covered the whole cost of plant, machinery, and appliances, if the work had been carried to extent intended. I have therefore no adverse remarks whatever to make with regard to the execution of the work—in fact quite the contrary. The only thing which I have taken exception to, is its location. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister having charge of the Marine 0. Y. O'Connok, Department, Wellington. Marine Engineer

Lint of Plans herewith. Sheet I.—General map showing the various schemes for harbour-works. Sheet 2.—Ditto, showing works now recommended. Sheet 3. —Details of works recommended. Sheet 4.—Map of Poverty Bay, showing land believed to have been formed by the sea.

APPENDICES.

APPENDIX A. Available Assets of the Gisborne Harbour Board towards continuing Construction Works, as stated by Mr. Bourke, Secretary to the Board, in August, 1890. Summary. Description. Amount. & Cash in hand ... ... ... - ... ... 5,220 Materials on hand, value ... ... ... ... 6,851* Plant on hand, saleable value ... ... ... 11,390* Total ... "... ... ... 23,461 * Vide details attached.