The filling up of the rocks extending from the Sumner beach would form a resisting wall to the stream, which would be diverted towards the western elbow, forming an acute-angled channel to the westward. The bar would, by the same cause, be nearer the western shore, and therefore shoaler.

By looking at the plan it will be seen that the bar is at present in nearly a central position between the west and south shores, and therefore naturally in the deepest or best position. Therefore if, on the other hand, the suggestion of blowing up the rocks above-mentioned were carried out, the effect would be to straighten the course of the stream, but at the same time leading it along a shallow beach, forming a bar in shoaler water. The only other suggestion I have heard, is the filling up of the rocks above to narrow the channel there, but I think at such a distance the only result would be to slightly hollow out the opposite embankment, and the effect below would be imperceptible. Any other disposition of the bar would be less advantageous to the port, it being, as I have already mentioned, midway between the west and south shores, and naturally in the deepest site.

I find that this river is not subjected to freshets, as it takes its rise in a swamp in the plains, and being unconnected with the mountain ranges is therefore less liable to changes by sudden and rapid streams. This is in favour of its navigation, and for such a small embouchure a bar of 5 feet at low water may be considered as a favourable entrance; and in my opinion, with due care, maybe made available for the purposes of transporting cargo in safety from Port Victoria to Christchurch.

Having witnessed the heavy and generally impassable bars along the west coast of these Islands, upon which we have lately been employed, and upon which we would scarcely look for an opportunity of crossing in a boat, I may in comparison state that we crossed the Sumner bar the day we wished to do so; that the following day we were engaged almost entirely upon it; and that two days after (the day it was most convenient to return) we also again crossed it without a break in our open boats. This was viewing it under favourable circumstances; and why should any vessel attempt it under any other, when there is a port within three miles, and judgment upon the feasibility of entry can be ascertained before leaving?

It therefore appears to me that if cargo is wet or damaged upon the Sumner bar, it must be from recklessness. The bar is certainly exposed to occasional gales, but is exempt in a great degree from the hindrances on the west coast, where the ocean wave is constantly impelled on the coast, constituting a continual break even in calm weather.

The great difficulty however in this river appears to be getting out, and the danger of being set through the rocks at the entrance, but it is possible in sailing vessels to avoid this, for we find that by keeping close to the north spit, a vessel would not be set through the rocks, but out in the channel.

And in conclusion, Sir, I cannot recommend any money being laid out beyond a perch at the elbow, and leading marks over the bar. I consider it as at present an available channel for the transport of goods by decked vessels from Port Victoria, when commanded by competent persons, who are acquainted with it, and I should suggest that some local enactment should establish the safety of carriage, by enquiries into the character of the vessel, the stowage, and the master’s efficiency.

Throughout these suggestions I have been desirous of preventing the Province from entailing expenses, which will I think appear to you (as to me) of doubtful advantage; but, Sir, it appears to me that this rising Province will not long be satisfied with the present communication between the Port of Lyttelton and Christchurch, and I think the establishment of a small short substantial paddle-wheel steamer will be found an invaluable (indeed necessary) adjunct to the prosperity of Canterbury, and there is ample room for such a vessel to turn. A small tug would answer admirably.

I also beg to suggest the propriety of appointing a nominal pilot to the Sumner; in doing so I do not think it necessary that he should be at present a salaried pilot, but that the nomination should be given to a person who might in consideration of present or future fees and emoluments hold the situation, and as conservator of the river, to remove snags and other nuisances as occasion requires; he would also place beacons for leading over the bar; he could prevent mischief being done in the discharge of ballast in the river, &c., by being empowered to prevent it.

In connexion with this recommendation I mention Mr. George Day’s name, whom you appointed to accompany me, and whom I find an intelligent active man, and who, although occupied on his own account upon other duties, is frequently here, and would be willing and is quite competent to act, if I may use the expression, as honorary pilot or river conservator.

I have the honour to be, Sir,

Your most obedient servant,

BYRON DRURY,
Commander and Surveyor.

His Honor the Superintendent of Canterbury.

Provincial Secretary’s Office,
Christchurch, 14th Dec. 1854.

HIS HONOR THE SUPERINTENDENT directs the republication of the following Notification from the New Zealand Government Gazette of the 24th of October last, for general information.

By order of His Honor the Superintendent,

H. G. GOULAND,
Provincial Secretary.

Colonial Secretary’s Office,
Auckland, 10th Oct., 1854.

His Excellency the Officer administering the Government has been pleased to appoint JOHN B. BENNETT, Esq., to be the Registrar-General for New Zealand, and Registrar for the District of Auckland, under the Marriage Act, 18th Victoria.

By His Excellency’s command,

ANDREW SINCLAIR,
Colonial Secretary.