214
It appears to me that a permanent Rough Stone Breakwater on the same site would be far preferable to the junk scheme. It would no doubt be costly but as the necessary material would probably be obtainable from Green Island this should render the work less expensive than in other positions.
The Assistant Harbour Master with whom I had an interview on the subject expressed an opinion that a passage should be left between the Breakwater and Green Island of about 1000 yards. Such a condition would greatly interfere with its efficiency, and as there would be a passage for ships 1,700 yards wide between Stonecutter's Island and the Breakwater, it would hardly appear absolutely necessary.
Captain More R.N. of H.M.S "Rambler" suggested to me that two or three junks might be first sunk on Hellett's Bank as a preliminary matter in order to watch the effect. He believes it probable that mud would silt up over them and form a bank.
To sum up. The junk Breakwater would cost not less than £45,000 and would take two or three months to build. As a permanent measure it would be barbarous and as an emergency matter it would take too long to construct.
A permanent stone breakwater would