ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE. To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. New Plymouth, February 26, 1848.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 272, 8 March 1848, Page 2

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE. To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. New Plymouth, February 26, 1848.

Sir, — In July last, the Comet arrived here with a cargo of cattle. The weather being fine, the boats discharged her in half a day ; and twenty hours after dropping anchor, she sailed on her return to Sydney : yet it is reported that the master of this vessel gives a most unfavourable account of the roadstead. Now, if this be true, it would almost appear that Captain Cork, irritated by a dispute as to the quality of the stock, which caused a reduction in the price he claimed, has in retaliation thus attempted to frighten other ships from the market. In the Independent of the sth inst., appears an advertisement which describes the master of the Carbon as being well acquainted with the difficulties of the Taranaki roadstead: — a regular trader here for nearly three years, this person has scarcely lost a rope-yarn by these difficulties, and no one has had stronger proof of the safety and accessibility of the place. This advertisement is evidently worded with a view to the one immediately preceding it, — that of tb» Fly (cutter) laid on as ancher regular trader to Taranaki; and the idea conveyed is that the Carbon 1 * profound knowledge of the difficultie* is equivalent to the greater size, speed, and safety of the rival Fly. From the indifference shown here to most subjects unconnected with the cultivation of the soil, unfounded reports and interested mis statements such as these ate seldom noticed, although to such are chiefly owing the errors which have prevailed respecting this roadstead. To persons resident here who have paid any attention to the subject, it is notorious that there are but few days in the year, probably not fifty, when a vessel could not discharge with perfect safety and good despatch. r - 4 The customs' records show 'that 230 ships, of the burthen of 20,732 tons, have visited the roadstead, of which 197 have wholly or partly discharged or loaded here ; but neither in the great beating work which this has caused, nor in whaling or fishing has there been a single lost of life since the foundation of the settlement. If the simple fact was generally known, that of these 230 vessels, but one ship and twelve anchors have been lost in the course of seven years, it is probable that nautical authorities would freely admit, that as a roadttead, the place really merits an excellent character ; for it is to be distinctly noted, that the loss of the ship and others of these accidents, arose through ignorance, and were such as would not occur again, now that seven years' experience has given a thorough knowledge of the weather. Few of these anchors were lost through stress of weather; the chain has generally parted from the mere strain of weighing, the bottom for the most part being foul; and no vessel should anchor here without bendng a good, stout, strong buoy-rope. With this precaution, and by taking the pilot, stranger captains coming to New Plymouth may safely rely upon this : they may by chance meet with some trouble — for it - is just possible that the ship may be obliged to stand out to sea before her cargo is discharged ; but on the other hand, they will probably meet with very quick despatch; and with common caution, there will be less chance of danger or accident than would be incurred in entering many excellent harbours. I am, Sir, Your obedient servant, C. H.