The Sun.
London, England, 1841-05-07 00:00:00

GOOD HOPE

One of the defects of the Cape of Good Hope,
has b'en the want of a secure haven even for
small vessels. Table Bay and Simon's Bay are
each good at a particular season, but at another
part of the year unsafe, and even impracticable.
The new settlement of Graham's Town and
Bathurst are equally-unfortunate, the rivers on
.the eastern coast of the colony being in general
closed by formidable bars, which will not allow
vessels to enter them. By the most re-
cent arrivals, however, from that settlement,
we have received Graham's Town Jour-
nals of the 11 th of February, and private
letters of a later date, which mention the
success of an enterprising individual, Mr. Cock,
in making the Kowie navigable for vessels of a
considerable draught of water, and in converting
that river into a secure haven. His success will
be of great advantage to Graham's Town, and all
the settlements, on the eastern coast, and it seems
to be duly appreciated by the Journal of that
settlement. It says :
" We are happy to learn that the Kowie is now open, and
that the question of the practicability of the undertaking, may,
in the opinion of judicious individuals, be considered as settled.
Early on Sunday morning the river opened for itself a way to
the sea through the new channel on the western side, and the depth
of the channel has gradually increased from b to 10 feet at low
water. We understand that the sand is gradually clearing
away every tide, and is conveyed by the current to the eastern
bank of the river, thus filling up the old channel. Along the
ledge of rocks which form the western boundary, there is deep
water, which continues quite out to sea. At present vessels
drawing 6 feet water may enter, and when the steam-tug, which
has been ordered, arrives, we doubt not but that vessels of a
larger burthen will be found in the Cowie."

It adds, in a postscript, entitled "Latest News
from the Kowie,"
" Ihe success of this most important undertaking is now
certain, and its effects on the Eastern Frontier in the fa-
cilities it opens to trade and the access which it gives
the farmers to suitable markets, may be better imagined than
described. So far the enterprise has succeeded beyond the
most sanguine anticipations of the projector; and we believe
it is not too much for us to say that now the district of Albany
is in a fair way of obtaining a port far superior to any other in
the colony. Vessels of considerable burden will easily enter
when assisted by a steam-tug, and will find themselves in a
river land-locked on every side, and as safe as in Me London
Docks, while the process ,!/* loading and unloading can be car-
ried on from the shore without the intervention of boats or
lighters. We are informed that the result of straightening
the course of the river has been such an increase
of water power to act upon the sand and butt', as
to supersede the necessity of flood-gates. Since
the certainty of the success of this most patriotic undertaking
has been evident, property in the neighbourhood has acquired
a new value in the eyes of its proprietors. In some cases, 500
per cent. advance has been offered, and refused for land near
the river. We trust that no delay will take place in obtain-
ing from the Home Government the privilege of a free port.
We believe that between Algoa Bay and the Cape, three or
four ports could be opened ; and more than this, we believe
they will be opened as soon as British industry and en-
terprise are transplanted there. Mr. Cock's labours will not
merely benefit this district and frontier—the example will be
felt_ in other districts, and the reproach of want of harbours
will, in a few years, be removed from the colony."

Private letters from the Cape, of a later date,
assure us that the success of the plan was un-
doubted; and the enterprising individual who
has engaged in the work, has ordered a steam-
tug and other vessels to be built in London for
him, and expects to acquire both wealth and
'celebrity, by making a harbour in the eastern
part of the colony of the Cape of Good Hope.