HARBOR MATTERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 146, 2 July 1901, Page 2

HARBOR MATTERS.

The ratepayers generally will cordially agree with the resolution of the Harbor Board at its last meeting to go into the matter of finances before spending more money on wharf extension. With the low prices that are now being obtained for the staple commodities of the district, ifie Board lias need to be careful of its thousands. It is not anticipated that the new dredge will be in tho river before the end of tho year, and there is little use going in for more wharf building until there are means for keeping the wharves in service. It was rather a surprise to people to learn that even with the new dredge, which it was anticipated would cope with all purposes, 1 it is contemplated to have the old dredge ‘ still in full work. That, at least, is tho inference that would be taken from the remarks passed at the last meeting, and it would be advisable for the proposal to be clearly understood. But there are two matters that should have the early attention of tho Board. It is is high time that some thought were given to the comfort of passengers, particularly of country people. A state of things | such as existed ou Sunday night was

most distressing to those who had to wait hour after hour in the cold and rain. The best that could be done under the circumstances was done, but we are sure that the members of the Board, on learning of the condition of things, will make an effort in the direction of providing some comfort for passengers. It is not so bad with townspeople, but oven in their case the condition of things is most uncomfortable. It may bo said it is an exceptional thing for a I steamer to be so late as was the I Waihora, but our argument will apply to any boat that is behind time. What is required is an up-to-date waiting-room and a well lighted wharf. On moonlight nights of course there is nothing to complain of in regard to the lights. At all railway stations, though the trains arrive punctually, there are waitingrooms, and something of the kind is more necessary at a port like that of Gisborne.