Manawatu Herald. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1880. OUR SHIPPING SERVICE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue 35, 31 December 1880, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1880. OUR SHIPPING SERVICE.

■» ■ - It is matter of constaufc regret that the Foxton Harbour Board has not complete charge of the different matters connected with the port. As is unfortunately well known the Board exists, and that is all. It has no source of revenue worth the name, and its hands are absolutely tied. To secure the fullest possible advantage, not only the wharf, but the pilot service also should be under the control of the Board, as persons on the spot can see instances in which improvements could be effected far easier than under the present roundabout method of administration. If the pilot needs a new lamp, or boat, or any other improvement, several communications have to pass between himself and the Marine Department before it can be obtained. If the Harbor Board controlled the service, such wants would be immediately supplied. At present beacon lights are badly needed at the mouth of the river. Owing to the absence of these, steamers can only leave port either during day-light or when the moon is bright. There is no good reason why steamers should not leave the port any night, provided wind, sea, and bar are favourable. Steamers are constantly leaving Wanganui after dark, and the Manawatu is an easier and better river to work than the Wanganui. The necessity of beacon lights being provided has been frequently brought under notice of the Marine Department, but the matter has been put off again and again. If the Harbour Board had the power, good serviceable beacon lights would be ready at the mouth of the iiver for use in a week. There is another matter. Some means should be instituted for signalling from the pilot station to vessels at the wharf as to whether the bar is or is not workable, either by day or night. The Harbour Board suggested that an ABC telegraph be erected, and asked the Government to put up the line, the Board offering to pay a fair amount for the work; but so extortionate was the sum demanded, that the matter was dropped. Something should, however, be done in the matter at an early date, so that shipmasters will know before they leave the wharf whether or not they can cross the bar. A " look-out " 20 or 80 feet high could be erected at the wharf for a few pounds, from which the signals at the pilot station could be read during the day, except in very dirty weather ; whilst a signal rocket could be sent up at night an hour or two before the steamer was to start, if the bar was not workable. These things, however, involve expense, and the Harbor Boardcannotwhilethe Government wilt not provide the money. At present the Government de-

j^ye^^fnoe, little revenue of three Jsfc. foJjlto| hundred pounds per annum from tfie wharfage and pilotage -&i| the porfc of Foxton, over and atove the cost of maintaining the pilot service, and it is decidedly unfair that they should be so closefisted as regards the expenditure of a few pounds in improving the accommodation of the port. Their present moth is to get ail they can, and spend as little as possible. After all, it is to its position as a porfc that Foxton must look for its progress, whilst; the rapidity or otherwise of its advance will depend upon the conveniences and attractions it offers to shipping. Such matters as a tow-boat, beacon lights, and easy communication between the wharf and pilot station may at firsfc sight appear insignificant, but they make all the difference between a popular porfc with cheap freight and the opposite. We hope the Harbor Board will nofc give in to fche last refusal of the Government, but agitate * until they have control of the wharf and pilot service, and are enabled to fulfil the functions conferred upon them by the Harbors Acfc.