TARANAKI GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

however, may be modified to have a perpendicular inner face, similar to that shown in fig. 2, for a length sufficient to give berths for large vessels, without much increasing the cost. The section we recommend for the eastern mole is shown in fig. 4. This is composed entirely of pierre perdue,* and will be the last to be constructed.

The reefs in the immediate neighbourhood of the works will probably produce a sufficient amount of material to meet the demands of the case on the plan proposed; but in the event of its proving otherwise, abundance of material can be procured from Mikotahi and its vicinity at the cost of laying down a temporary tramway, which by concentrating the sources of supply, would not seriously increase the expense.

RECAPITULATION.

Having now explained the general conclusions at which we have arrived after a careful examination of all the facts in our possession, we may shortly state the results as follows:—

1st. That, in our opinion, the most suitable site for the proposed Harbour is that opposite the Town of New Plymouth.

2nd. That a good Harbour, fit to be run to as a refuge by all but the largest ships, and possessing all the qualifications for carrying on the provincial trade, may be constructed for a sum of about Three Hundred Thousand Pounds (£300,000).

3rd. That the works may be executed in parts according to the resources of the Province; and that each additional portion will increase the value of the Harbour in proportion to the sum expended.

4th. That the completion of the first section will give a useful jetty, sufficient in fine weather—for the accommodation of the ordinary shipping business of the Province, at a cost of from Seventy-five to Eighty-five Thousand Pounds (£75,000 to £85,000).

5th. That the work may be so laid out, if required, that the western pier may be susceptible of still further future extension, so as greatly to increase the already large area of sheltered water, and render the Harbour a safe refuge for even the largest vessels.

It now remains for us to offer to your Honour a few suggestions as to the financial policy to be pursued in connection with this work. We have had the honor of pointing out in our preliminary report, dated the 17th May, 1865, that the construction of this Harbour must be viewed as a national work, and one of the highest necessity to the whole Colony, from the absence of any natural Harbour of Refuge on the whole extent of the West Coast of New Zealand for a distance of nearly 700 nautical miles, or any port in which a ship can, in safety, ride out a westerly gale,

with the sole exception of the anchorages in Cook’s Strait, to run to which, even if they could always be “made,” would, in many cases, involve a great sacrifice of time and “westing.” We, therefore, consider that the Province has a very strong claim on the General Government for financial assistance in carrying out this project, and would suggest the following as a basis of arrangement:—

Debentures to be issued with a General Government guarantee for (say) Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Pounds (£350,000), a block or blocks of the confiscated land in the Province of that value being set apart as a security for the repayment of the capital amount. As this land is sold, the proceeds to be devoted to the repayment of the loan; in the meantime the interest on outstanding debentures to be borne equally by the General and Provincial Governments. The debentures to be issued by instalments as opportunity may occur for placing them advantageously, and the work to be proceeded in corresponding sections.

We may here point out the great advantages which will arise to the Province by reducing the present expensive landing charges, and by diminishing the risk of damage to perishable goods by water; and we would especially call attention to the great benefit accruing from the facilities which would be afforded by the Harbour for sending and receiving shipments direct to and from England and the other colonies, in place of the present tedious and expensive system of transhipment by local vessels. Your Honor will be in a position to calculate the value of these advantages, which would undoubtedly be very great. A considerable revenue would also probably be derived from the customary Harbour dues, and wharfage and other charges.

We append to this report a plan, sheet No. 1, of the roadstead, showing the two projects we have considered; and section, sheet No. 2, of the various moles, &c., referred to in this report.

While preparing these designs and estimates, we have carefully consulted all the first authorities on marine engineering works, and studied the designs of the great Harbours and Breakwaters of the world, besides drawing on our own experience of similar works in Great Britain. Our estimates we consider are ample, and are not likely to be exceeded.

We have the honor to be, Sir,
Your most obedient servants,

(For Balfour and Doyne),
JAMES M. BALEFOUR.

To his Honor the Superintendent,
Taranaki, N.Z.

Printed under the authority of the Government of the Province of Taranaki, by W. H. J. Searancke, of Devon-street, New Plymouth, Printer to the Provincial Government for the time being.