The Sun.
London, England, 1844-10-14 00:00:00

DOVER HARBOUR.

In these days of ittiproretnents in all directions and of
all manners and kinds, the ancient sown o fiver is not
entirely backward in the marh of amendment. Not
content with restoring the fine old church of St. Mary at
a very large cost, and adorning the town and neighbour-
hood with new buildings of all classes, Dover will soon
possess a vastly increased and improved harbour, It
was, indeed, at one time contemplated to make it a har-
bour of refuge, and it is well known that the Duke of
Wellington (who, as Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, has
at different times taken so active a part in matters con-
nected with the welfare and advancement of the town)
has ever been in favour of such a desirable object being
effected. The work, however, would be of so expensive a
nature that nothing short of national means could hardly
hope to accomplish it. His Grace is understood to have
remarked, " We will improve the existing harbour; but
such a work as that must be done by the nation." Yet,
it appears, it is not likely Dover will be. converted into a
harbour of refuge ; but the town commissioners, it is
declared, are determined to do all in their power to render
the harbour as useful and perfect as possible. It is
well known that at present it is not very good, yet it can
now accommodate ships of 500 tons. It is chiefly used
for sailing and steam-packets to and from France. Im-
mense sums have been expended upon this haven, from
the period of Henry VIII. ; but it is so imperfectly
formed at the present time that a vessel coming in with
a direct south wind would be driven against the walls, as
there is neither room to turn nor for the ship gradually
to expend her force before reaching the extremity of
the docks. The harbour has been undergoing repairs of
various descriptions almost constantly for many years,
but, early in this summer, an extensive improvement
and enlargement was decided upon and commenced that
is well calculated to remedy many of the most important
objections now existing. Thus " the poor haven, such
as it is " (rather derogatively termed in an old descrip-
tion thereof), is likely to be materially raised in the
rank and utility of harbours upon the southern coast of
England. It is to be so extended by another wing, as it
were, being added, that a vessel may enter in full sail,
and have room to turn and come gradually to its stop-
page, an object that cannot now be attained. A large
piece of land to the east of the existing harbour and be-
tween it and the parade has been purchased for the pur-
pose of enlarging the docks, and gates are to be added.
Upon the land so appropriated stood, until quite recently,
building yards, houses, &c. There also remains as yet
upon the site (although they will be removed in the
course of the speedily-approaching alterations), a
battery, containing several cannon, and buildings that
have been used as a magazine, guard-house, &c. A great
portion of the space to be converted to the enlargement
of the harbour is now in an advanced stage of excava-
tion, and some parts are already being walled in. It
was originally intended to have wooden walls for this
addition to the haven, but a wiser, though more imme-
diately expensive, plan has been adopted, and stone is to
be used instead of the former more perishable material.
" Wooden walls" have for many ages proved good de-
fences for old England ; but a harbour intended to en-
dure requires something more substantial. Some notion
of the important nature of these works may be formed
when it is mentioned that no less a sum than 100,000/.
is proposed to be laid out upon them, in addition to the
large amounts that have been spent upon the docks during
the last few years. The time which has been specified
for the alterations to be completed is three years ; but, ex-
tending regard to the magnitude of the improvements, and
the difficulties that are so often met with in like under-
takings, it seems more than probable that they may not
be finished until a somewhat longer period has elapsed.
The effect, even now, is advantageous, as it gives more
room in some portions of the harbour ; but eventually it
cannot fail to be most important to Dover, in advancing
in no slight degree its prosperity as well as utility.—
Times.