VISIT OF ROYAL PRINCES.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume V, Issue 516, 24 June 1881, Page 2

VISIT OF ROYAL PRINCES.

To the Editor.

Sib, —It was not only with feelings of regret, but also with those of indignation, that I perused an answer of our worthy Premier, in which lie stated that the only port in New Zealand which the Flying Squadron, and in consequence the two Royal Princes, would visit was Auckland. Granted that Auckland is the nearest port of access, arid that its natural position makes it the most convenient of all tho ports in Nev. Zealand for a Flying Squadron to visit, surely there are other, questions to be taken into consideration. I can understand New Plymouth or Wanganui on the one side beihg passed by, or the Hawkes Bay port being also passed, but why such havens of refuge as Wellington Harbor, Lyttelton Harbor, Akaroa Harbor, and Port Chalmers are to be utterly ignored by a fleet containing such a number of well-known qualified and scientific officers as are at present employed in the Flying Squadron does pass my comprehension.

And now, sir, to a deduction from the case I have mentioned ; a personal one it may bo called, but I hope a practical one in the end. I as a matter of fact, and not disguising my predilections, am, as a frcfrequcnt visitant to Akaroa, well acquainted with that harbor. That it is a safe and, natural harbor I (egotistical as it may appear) affirm, and oven if the Squadron comprised twice tho number of vessels

does, they could ride safely at anchor in any gale that ever blew. Another argument, sir, which I would venture my numerous Akaroa friends would forgive, is, that they should follow the example of the Adelaide people, and, though a small community, make their voice heard, even though it should be in expostulation, at Government House against the folly of judging New Zealand or its harbors by a week's visit to Auck land. There are thinking men on board this Squadron, who have studied other subjects than seamanship, navigation, and gunnery, and tbe sight of our lovely hills and valleys, clothed with the finest verdure in the world, and merely wanting a few thoroughly competent and reliable men to make their best qualities known, will induce many men to settle in what I may call the Paradise of the Middle Island of New Zealand, ergo, the world.—l am, etc., A FREQUENT VISITOR TO AKAROA. Christchurch, June 20.