CAB7-4 — Page 239

Page 239

211

Page 239

122

CYPRUS.

the larger population of Venoschia (situated half-a-mile south of the walled town, and which is, in fact, Appendix No. 4. modern Famagusta) as regards health, this suburb will not compare unfavourably with other towns or districts of the island, nor probably with that of the adjoining coasts of the Levant, or generally with countries bordering on the Mediterranean. As, however, this is a question that can only be decided by statistics, I would suggest that as much information as possible should be collected on the subject. In carrying out any sanitary works for the improvement of Famagusta, I would recom- mend that in the first place the obvious and local nuisances to which I have alluded should be attended to before any costly scheme for the drainage of the marshes be undertaken.

Should Famagusta become a naval station, or a commercial port, it is on sites outside, instead of within, the walls, that, in my opinion, new dwellings should be built.

24. In conclusion, I think it probable that a considerable saving may be effected on Mr. Ormiston's Dredging plant. estimate, by the purchase of second-hand dredging plant at Alexandria or Port Saïd, instead of pur- chasing new plant. The cost of dredging-plant be estimates at 45,000, which is two-thirds of the total estimated cost of dredging, and in my opinion bears an undue proportion to the amount of work to be executed. In Alexandria, where the quantity of dredging executed was abont the same as that proposed by Mr. Ormiston, a powerful second-hand dredger was purchased of the Suez Canal Company. After completing the work she was still in good working order, and this machine, or a similar one, might probably be procured on favourable terms for Famagusta.

S. BROWN, Government Engineer.

(Signed)

Appendix (A).

Extract from Mr. Brown's Report on Famagusta Harbour, dated March 3, 1879.

The Island of Cyprus possesses three harbours capable of affording shelter more or less perfect to the larger class of vessels, viz., Famagusta, Larnaca, and Limassol.

The two latter are open roadsteads, sheltered, it is true, from the heavier westerly and northerly gales, but open to all winds from south to east. Large vessels with good holding gear may probably lie in these roadsteads at all times free from danger; but, owing to the surf, they are, in bad weather, cut off from all communication with the shore, and the landing and embarking of passengers and mer- chandize is, of course, at such times impracticable. The landing of the mails was delayed a day early in February, and the weather at the time was not so bad as frequently occurs in this part of the Mediterranean during winter months.

On the other hand, Famagusta is possessed of great natural advantages, and comparatively little Famagusta.

Its peculiarly sheltered position requires to be done to convert it into a port of the first order.

accounts for the fact, that Famagusta (with its neighbour, Salamis) was the chief port of Cyprus throughout the classical and medieval periods.

The harbour of Famagusta is completely sheltered from all winds except those blowing from north- General description. east to south-east. As the east is not the prevailing wind, and severe gales from this quarter are,

I believe, unknown, no very heavy sea is possible, for it should be borne in mind that the distance To corroborate this view I would from Cyprus to the opposite Syrian coast is but 110 miles.

adduce the fact that the breakwaters constructed in the middle ages to shelter the inner basin are formed of comparatively small material, and are not calculated to resist a heavy sea; yet they are still existing, although probably not a single piastre has been spent on their repair during three centuries of Turkish occupation.

The ancient port consisted of a basin 3,400 feet long, and varying in width from 1,000 to Inner or ancient 1,800 feet, with an area of about 100 acres. It is sheltered to the southward and eastward by a reef of harbour. rocks forming islands, the gaps between which are filled in by ancient moles or causeways. A break- water is carried across the northern part of the harbour, and connects the reef just described with the shore, having an entrance near the landward side about 110 feet wide. This ancient dock, or basin, is still used by the coasters carrying on the present insignificant trade of Famagusta. There is a depth of 12 feet at the entrance and over a small portion of the basin, but the greater portion of it is silted up, and forms a shallow lagoon.

The outer harbour of Famagusta lies between the shore and a reef of rocks, forming an extension Outer harbour. northwards of the islands which inclose the inner basin. Its length is 6,600 feet, and average width 2,700 feet, forming an area of 410 acres, of which about 220 acres have a depth of 5 fathoms and upwards, capable, by a moderate amount of dredging, of being increased to 300 acres.

(Note. This is very nearly the same area as the harbour of Alexandria, within the line of the mole.)

At the extremity of the reef there is a convenient entrance, with a depth of 36 feet of water, which has been marked out by beacons by Captain Millard, R.N.

Works proposed.

A commodious harbour for merchant-vessels and transports may be readily formed by dredging a Inner harbour. portion of the inner basin (say, in the first place, about 12 acres) to a depth of 25 feet, and deepening the entrance and approach to the same depth.

The fortifications on the east, or sea side of the town, should be levelled, and the material Along employed in forming a quay of about 100 feet in width, with a paved slope to the water level. this quay the railway may be carried, as already suggested, and from it two jetties, each, say, 200 feet by 40 feet, constructed, which would afford accommodation for four large vessels. The smaller coasting

Page 239

Page 239

Page 239