OPUNAKE WHARF.

Opunake Times, Volume II, Issue 63, 8 February 1895, Page 2

OPUNAKE WHARF.

(to THE EDITOR.) Sib, —With your permission, I will venture a word or two as regards the romantic and sensational incidents in connection with our little jetty. I see in all the local pape.s, including the Opunake Times, detailed out to us every move in connection with the ChineseJapanese war; and here at our own shipping port a most destructive naval war is going on between our little gallant torpedos and the great Australian iron barques. The front columns were repulsed inland with heavy loss; the reserves, or rear columns, are now to the front, and the fighting is fast and furious. The dying and wounded are taken to the Parliamentary hospital, under the care of Dr Seddon and our man Friday—l beg pardon ! Hats off! —our M.H.R. Premier Seddon declares he will reinforce at once with a detachment of the real Australian ironclads; then we will go on with the fight. The scene is changed! Surely this romancing must be the effects of a diseased brain. Why here before me I see in a recent issue of the Opunake Times where Premier Seddon placed £looo—my mistake, sir, one thousand men—under the command of Smith. No doubt the Premier’s orders were to land the reinforcements on the Opunake harbour, but the faithful officer in command, by some unaccountable mistake, instead of making a flank movement on the Opunake jetty, marches right on to the New Plymouth Harbour to reinforce the convicts who are now fighting the hostile waves of the New Plymouth Harbour. But the latest report proves that the sand and shells are too many for them, and General Smith is very forcibly appealing for another detachment from headquarters, which he will no doubt receive in due time. Being somewhat inquisitive, where was our member for Egmont when these most important "moves were taking place ? (Chorus: “ Sitting on the Stile, Mary.”) It is not my intention to strike any man below the belt, but I cannot refrain from saying—Can any man illustrate a greater injustice to the district than to return a'member who goes behind the scene when he is required to represent this special part of the district One word more : The sentence of death was at once passed on the district when we returned Mr McGuire to represent us. It is unnecessary for me to point out any future plans as regards the jetty, comprehending as we do the great importance the reconstruction would be to the district., The great redeeming feature is that the experiment has satisfied every man that boats can come in in safety, when the jetty is rebuilt, and proves beyond doubt that when the wharf is re-erected, it will be financially sound enough to pay its way and all the present liabilities. —I am, &c., •J. 0. Hickey, Opunake.