"ADVANCE WANGANUI"

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 263, 31 July 1920, Page 7

"ADVANCE WANGANUI"

Sir,—Tn this boastful, bragging little vp-coniitry iown, the above words liavo frequently occurred in our local press, mid the world given io understand what Wangantii was doing, and what it vas going to do; among other things, to completely snuff-out Wellington in evenway, especially as a sen port md harbour for largo ocean-going ships. Tens of thousands of pounds have been thrown into the river, and a,t its mouth, with the above object, during the, last twentv or thirty years, with, tho result that a small, or medium-sized, strainer has to unload S(H) tons of coal at the heads, .because there is not sufficient depth of water to permit of her bringing her fi.ll load—not a largo one—up to the tenn

wharves, notwithstanding tho arrival of. their very costly dredge,- which was tof do such marvellous things. So extraordinary lias tho forethought of, our counsellors been, that the ratepayers have had to return to candles to see to road or work, tho disgraceful quality of tho high-priced gas—<uid air—giving lmt the light of a tallow-dip, or rush-, light. The little town is practically without coal, wood, gas, trams, its wharfage inadequate, and the,.whole space required by tho Railway Vepartniont, which means the Harbour Board, at this late date, will have to,build new wharves somewhero else, and wo may well ask, "but where?'' Then, at this lato date, they must go in for a new railway station; and, again, we r.iay well ask, "but where?" .for there has been no provision made for these things. Jlotor-lorries are taking the place of the trains—needless to sny how inadequately —but ratepayers'and bystanders were much amused' to-day at sight cf poor old "puffing Billy" struggling fo draw three empty tramcars up tho very gentla incline of Victoria Avenue, and, not leing able to anaiuige it, one empty car was taken off. A wag ran out to poor, eld Billy's assistance, pushing behind, causing much laughter, while another joker called out: "Advance Wangamii!" It is to bo hoped the untraveiled boasters who consider Wanganui the hub of (ho -universe will now ceaso their tagging. But is it not a sweet state cf things? Such wonderful forethought and management.—l am, etc., „,„__ AN OLD KATEPAYER.