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4. General Constitution of the Board. The natural features of the Westport Harbour are such that the execution and maintenance of harbour-works require very special expert knowledge, in addition to which its revenue is a national endowment. We are therefore of opinion that this harbour should be placed under the control of specially selected Commissioners having expert knowledge. Our reason for making this recommendation is that the experience of the past has shown it to be beyond expectation that members can be selected from a limited population possessing the requisite qualifications. If, however, a Board is to continue in existence, its constitution should be amended in the direction of substituting a more national representation of the several interests affected by the harbour and its works, and we would then recommend a nominated Board, consisting of six members, representing the following interests, viz. : — (1.) The coal-mining interest; (2.) The shipping interest; (3.) The Railway Department; (4.) The merchants, as represented by the payers of dues on goods; (5). The Borough of Westport and surrounding district; (6.) A statutory Judicial Chairman. 5. Future Operations. With as little delay as possible the following matters should be attended to:— (a.) The extension of the eastern breakwater now in progress should be discontinued as soon as it can be made secure from injury at the outer end. (b.) At the floating basin the 600 ft. of wharf at the entrance now in course of construction should be finished; otherwise all work at the floating basin should be stopped. (c.) The Cape Foulwind Railway and the Railway Workshops should be taken over and worked by the Railway Department. Whether the constitution of the Board be altered or amended, or remain as at present, the following matters should receive attention : — (d.) As to whether the western breakwater should not be extended to be coterminous with the eastern breakwater on a line normal to the set of the sea. (c.) That a more distinctive port light should be substituted for that at present in use. (/.) That a more systematic method of working the quarries should be adopted in order to obtain a supply of a better class of stone. (g.) That the working of the dredges should be arranged to suit tides and favourable conditions, to the end that the plant may be fully and economically employed. (h.) That the staiths be removed and the crane wharf be extended in place thereof. (*.) As to whether the current now projected against the staiths should be modified by an alteration of the alignment of the upper end of the western training-wall and by dredging in connection therewith. (j.) That the Board secure the reservation for harbour purposes of the unalienated Crown lands abutting on or adjacent to the harbour and harbour-works, and also of the Crown lands alienated by way of lease or license subject to the existing leases or licenses, and securing rights of access to existing works. If an expert Commission as above recommended be set up to manage the Harbour of Westport, the points set out hereunder should receive immediate attention and careful consideration; and if it be determined that the manage-