Surveys.

The Committee seems to be under the impression that a complete survey of the Harbour is absolutely necessary before anything can be done in the way of designing works. It would certainly be very desirable to have a correct plan to work upon; but I do not think that the mere depth of water at certain places, which probably is all that the plan will show, is nearly so essential as other information that might be collected. For instance, the following:—

1st. A complete record of the rise and fall of the tides at Dunedin, Port Chalmers, page 24 and the Heads, together with observations, extending over at least one month, at the White Stone and a point on the Peninsula exactly opposite.

2nd. A complete plan of the currents, showing their direction, duration, and force.

3rd. A note of the character of the strata throughout the Harbour wherever works are proposed or suggested.

4th. Such information as it is possible to obtain with reference to the quantity of alluvial matter carried into the Harbour, and where the deposits chiefly take place.

Trusting that this Report, which has been rather hurriedly thrown together, will be of service to the Committee in considering this important subject,