CORRESPONDENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2297, 2 July 1921, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

. THE LOCAL PORT

Sir. —In your last issue you express concern in respect to the hfck ;>f shipping to the port, and state that “for some reason unexplainable no ships arc offering.” Well. Sir, every one would like to see the port busy, with, special trains conveying merchandise to the various towns from the ship’s side. I agree with you, Sir, that the Harbour Board is anxious to encourage shipping, but before the Board can do that it must be prepared to fight nature and keep an open channel across the bar facing the mouth of the river, and deep enough to ensure a safe entrance. I have heard a statement made, that the bar is as good to-day as it ever was. People who talk like, that don’t know the present conditions. The only navigable channel across the bar is to the north, and which compels a boat to approach the river mouth broadside on to the waves, and in dangerous proximity to the beach. Any ono who understands anything about navigating a vessel under such conditions will fully realise the grave risks run. If a vessel could get n, straight run in and out, as in past, years, the port would be kept busy, but no Company is going to take fool risks with vessels under present conditions. A big flood may change the channel, but if it does not, then other means must be taken to do so before shipping will be attracted here. I am not going to express an opinion as to whether the present dredge cqp operate on the bar, .even if it proves successful in removing shoals in the river. When

von get a straight run out or in, ;iven a fair depth of water on the bar. you will get all the -hipping von want, but not before. —Yours, etc., OLD HAND.