The Waitara.

The Waitara is situated on the South bank of the Waitara river, the surrounding country being exquisitely adapted for pastoral and agricultural purposes, whilst the river, through the persevering energy of the inhabitants, is fast taking the shape of a safe and commodious harbour for coasting steamers and sailing vessels. The following abstract of work carried out, with the future intentions, has been kindly supplied by Mr. John Thomson, C.E, the Engineer of the works. The amount spent on wharfage plant, tramway, goods shed, sand reclaiming, drainage, training walls, steam tug, etc., etc., has amounted to £20,000.

Mr. Thomson further adds:—The general idea under- page 17 lying the harbour works as far as they have been carried out, is to direct and train the ebb and flood tide in a fixed channel. Nothing has been done in the shape of breakwaters or giving protection from the sea. Sir J. Coode has laid down lines for protective works, carried out into about three fathoms at high water. The channel has been quite straight out for more than six months past, that is through the very driest season, so I expect it to be very good when there is a little more water in the river.

The following abstract of the live stock shipped from the river, bears ample testimony of the progress the district is making.