The Sun.
London, England, 1845-01-28 00:00:00

FORENESS.

We proceeded, in the first instance, to Foreness, near
the North Foreland, the site which the Harbour Com-
mission of 1840 recommended as the place third in im-
portance for an artificial harbour, giving a preference
first to Dover, and secondly to Beachyhoad.
It is right to name the persons who composed that
Commission,* in order that their opinions may have the
influence justly due to the high distinction they hold in
their different professions.
The Commission of 1840 had specific limits assigned
to its operations--namely, " To visit the coast between
the mouth of the Thames and Selsea Bill ; to examine
the ports, with reference to their being available as
places of shelter for vessels passing through the Chan-
nel, in cases of distress from weather, and also as places
of refuge for merchant vessels from enemies' cruisers in
time of war ; and more especially as to their being made
stations for armed steamers employed for the protection
of our trade in the narrow parts of the Channel."
We quote this instruction both with reference to what
we have to state respecting Foreness, and to other mat-
ters we shall have to mention in the course of our report.
Foreness stands well in the fairway of the traffic be-
tween the Thames and the Downs, and would, no doubt,
if converted into a harbour, frequently prove to be a
very convenient anchorage for outward-bound vessels
caught off the Foreland by strong south-west gales, and
for homeward. bound ships meeting with adverse winds.
The Commission of 1840 give weight to their proposal
in favour of Foreness by observing that a harbour there
" must be regarded as one of refuge for vessels navigat-
ing or stationed in the North Sea ;" but if their instruc-
tions had not precluded them from the consideration of
Harwich, we think they would have suggested the im-
provement of that splendid natural harbour, at a small
expense, rather than have proposed a large outlay of
money in constructing one at Foreness.
Nothing can be more manifest than the fact that Har-
wich, as far as position goes (being actually on the
shores of the North Sea), is the proper place for a squa-
dron of steamers on that station, as well as for a harbour
of refuge for merchant ships ; while the neighbouring
anchorage in Hollesby-bay is favourably suited for ships
of the line.

On this account it seems to us unnecessary to con-
struct a harbour at Foreness ; and we think the Com-
mission of 1840 would have taken the same view of the
subject if Harwich had come within their examination.
RAMSGATE.
Our next visit was to the port of Ramsgate, a mere
creek in 1748, but now of such capacity that, in the last
three years, the number of vessels which arrived in that
harbour amounted on an average to 1,600 sail a-year,
exclusive of fishing craft, town boys, and the daily
voyages of steamers.
Ramsgate harbour is kept clear partly by its back-
water ; and if ever the basin at the west end, designed
by the late Mr. Rennie, be carried into execution, it will
give increased power of backwater, and enable the port
to receive many more ships.
The improvement of Ramsgate harbour is the result
of vigorous efforts by the managing trustees, and their
success, which cannot be too highly appreciated, is for-
cibly exhibited by contrasting its present increased utility
with the facts stated by the celebrated Smeaton, who
says that the number of vessels that entered the harbour
in the year
1780 amounted to 29 sail.
1785 215
1790 387
Whereas, in the last three years, it appears on the evi-
dence of the Harbour-master, there arrived in the port in
1841 1,543
1842...
1843 1,606
Of the number of vessels that arrived in 1843, 21 gave
an average of 457 tons each ; and when it is recollected
that more than two-thirds of the trade of Great Britain is
carried on in vessels under 400 tons, it shows the advan-
tages the mercantile marine derives from this port in
connexion with the Downs.
The Harbour-master states that in the winter:of 1832
there were at one time 434 sail in the port, and if the
additional basin before alluded to at the west end be
made, there will be room for upwards of 600 sail.
It will be an improvement if the approaches and en-
trance to the harbour can be deepened by the use of
dredging vessels, or other moans applicable to the
purpose.