HOKITIKA.

Evening Post, Issue 210, 10 October 1865, Page 2

HOKITIKA.

The West Goaat Times describes the manner in whioh females are transhipped from one vessel to another prior to landing at Hokitika: — " A gentleman, recently arrived, writes to complain of the highly indecent as well as the dangerous mnnner In which females are transhipped from the large steamer into the boats that cros* the bar. He says that they are, in the first place, bundled down the ladder like bales of wool, and then partly hauled partly pushed over the side of the small steamer, when the boats arrive alongside, in such a manner as to be extremely offensive to every respectable woman. If this is the ease, there is unquestionably great ground for complaint. The idea, no doubt is, that time is saved thereby, and that by lowering ladies in chairs, as is done under similar circumstances in more civilised parts of the world, a great deal of time would be lost. We do not think that even on this" ground the shipping interest Is right, for females by the present bundling process become naturally more alarmed, and are more difficult to get into or out of the boats. But

putting utility out of the question, it is monstrous that, in order to allow a steamer to get away a quarter of an hour sooner, the weaker sex should be so dealt with. We hope that the shipping agents will look into the matter, and if half of what is alleged be true, establish some sweeping reform without delay."