OUR WHARF ACCOMMODATION.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VI, Issue 92, 20 April 1871, Page 2

OUR WHARF ACCOMMODATION.

To the Editor op the Nelson Evening Mail. Mr .Editor — I have lately more than once had occasion to go down to the port at night to meet friends expected by steamers. I am sorry to say that no arrangements are made for the safety or convenience of passengers, with the single exception of a lamp placed at the outer angle of the Government wharf. This certainly lessens the risk of walking over it 3 side into the water, although as soon as you have passed it, the colors of the wharf and of the dark water beneath are so much alike as to render further progress rather a nervous undertaking. Some time ago I was present one very dark night when a steamer was landing her passengers. There was a rush of people on to her deck, then a confused mass of passengers, luggage, friends, porters, cab-drivers, and others, either engaged, or looking out for a job, streamed out upon the dark wharf, with the solitary light I have mentioned, in the distance, and one at the vessel's mast-head just enough to make the darkness visible. One lady passenger, evidently a foreigner, seated upon a box with her other luggage all round her on the dark damp wharf, must have been singularly struck with the manner of her reception ; with the attention, the care for her comfort, and for the safety of her property, shown by the authorities of Nelson. There only wanted a smart shower of rain to complete the discomfort of her position, and the contrast with what she must have met with elsewhere. And the remedy seems so easy. Opposite to the landing is a large open covered shed between the two warehouses. If, when a vessel is about to land passengers, a lamp was lighted at each corner of this shed, and a bar placed across the wharf just below to keep ofi the crowd, ten minutes would be sufficient to place the passengers and their luggage safely under cover, on shore. Then if the cabdrivers and porters had distinguishing badges, and a single policeman were on the spot, strangers might feel some security that they were entrusting their property to properly authorized persons, instead of being at the mercy of the first comer, as they are now. But, badly as matters are managed at the Government Wharf, it is much worse elsewhere. I was present about ten days ago when the Phoebe was landing passengers and cargo at the Cu^pq^ House Wharf. The scene of confusion tiasYeally disgraceful— it was night. The* wharf near»fche vessel was covered with cases, on on\ side ; and on the other with wool bales, on one of which a single lantern gave a dim uncertain light, whilst a passage about 6 or 7 feet wide, was left in the middle. This was filled up close to the vessel's gangway with about two dozen boys and men evidently mere loungers. Behind them were passengers, some waitiDg' to embark, others just landed, whose luggage was still on board. But without giving any time to procure this, the ship at once began discharging cargo. In endeavoring to get on board ! for some luggage I first had to wait whilst two horses were landed. Then, crossing the gangway, I stumbled along a narrow darkipassage among; bars of iron and dead sheep till.l reached the upper deck.. There all was in darkness, and two or three persons wereflashingoff lucifer matches to

make out the directions on the portmanteaus, &c; and that failing, dragged them under the skylight of the salooD, where there were lamps burning. Selecting the luggage I came for, and congratulating myself upon my good fortune, for there really appeared no hindrance to anybody's walking off with whatever he chose to appropriate, I made my way back again through the dead sheep and iron, and as I crossed on to the wharf was alarmed by some hoarse voices telling me to '.'look out." A huge crate of goods was beiog last lowered over my head, but another cry of " hold hard" in an injured tone of voice enabled me to get safely on shore again. Under such circumstances is it to be wondered at that travellers complain bitterly of the way they are treated, and of the utter disregard shown for their comfort or for the safety of their property ? No one seems responsible ; no one seems to care. Can it be then any matter of surprise that goods are frequently lost, mislaid, or stolen. I myself, about two years ago, lost a valuable clock which was never seen after it was once put on board, and in this case of the Phoebe a large portmanteau belonging to one of the passengers is missing, which I can only hope has gone on to Auckland and will be returned when the vessel returns. Surely some better arrangements are possible. Visitors like our little town and climate, but they are disgusted with their reception on landing, and I must say not without good cause. A am sir, yours, , An Eye-Witness.