New Zealand Times. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1875.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4316, 20 January 1875, Page 2

New Zealand Times. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1875.

♦ Those whoso business led them to tho wharf yesterday must have been very greatly impressed by the complete block there was in the traffic. Sailing vessels and steamers were mixed up in all but hopeless confusion, and the only wonder is that lives were. not lost through the crush and difficulty of getting on board the steamships. Wo refer especially to tho case of the Taranaki, which sailed last evening for tho South. The ship Jung Frau had the inner berth and was discharging cargo, and passengers were compelled to clamber over her side and across the deck, at considerable risk to life and limb, only to encountor still more formidable obstacles climbing on board the steamer and across tho.canvas-coverod long-bunr, before getting to the deck. Indeed, the wonder is that no accident occurred, as there were many ladies on board who wtrj compelled -to make their wiy thoro as best they could. Wor was tho position oE the Wellington much better. She. had an inuer

berth it is true, but the .steamer Albion was close hauled alongside, and beyor.d was a barque from which the steamer was coaling. It was. a skilful piece of seamanship on Captain Carey's part to extricate his vessel from her very critical position, and we hold that it was altogether unnecessary,' had due care been taken to berth ships at tho wharf. Of course, it would be an easy matter were there sufficient wharf accommodation, but this is not the case. There is not anything like sufficient wharf space, and therefore all the greater judgment should be exercised in utilising what there is. While saying this, w? do" not blame the harbor-master. He doubtless does his best, and as there is great pressure by merchants importers as well as exporters—to have quick despatch, he must often be perplexed what to do. One thing is certain, however, that tho state of things which prevailed yesterday at the wharf cannot be allowed to continue. There must be a sufficient space set apart for the steamers frequenting the port, even at the risk of causing the ships to load and discharge cargo by means of lighters. The.difficulty of getting along the wharf was likewise very great. Altogether, we should say that the business requirements of Wellington are now far in advance of its accommodation for shipping. It is the bounden duty of the City Council, therefore, to take this matter into their serious consideration, and devise means for relieving the block of traffic at the port, which appears to be steadily on the increase. In previous issues we pointed out the necessity for increased wharf accommodation ; we also drew attention to the pressing need of providing a wet or tidal dock and dry dock combined. The two former might be provided were the Council in earnest in the matter ; the latter is a work of greater time and large expenditure. But if Wellington is to keep pace with the times, its civic rulers must bestir themselves, and give evidence that they are able to appreciate and provide for its present and future requirements.