The Patea Mail. Published Wednesdays and Saturdays WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1876.

Patea Mail, Volume I, Issue 95, 8 March 1876, Page 2

The Patea Mail. Published Wednesdays and Saturdays WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1876.

Mr Carrvtiii-:rs’ harbor works report was discussed in the. Town Hoard on Monday evening last, but, as a matter of course, nothing more than discussion could emanate from that body on the matter, as, however strongly members may feel individually on the subject, as a body they have no power or authority whatever. The singular features of the debate were the very extraordinary opinions expresssed by Messrs Milroy and Southby, to the effect that really the works were not- needed, and that, if needed, they were not worth having at the cost of a halfpenny extra taxation. The former idea was (hat of Mr Milroy, who thought that the present state of things—wharfage accommodation, we suppose, included—was perfectly satisfactory, that when greater trade sprang up vessels of light draught could he built to meet it, and, altogether, that such innovations as proposed by the Colonial Engineer were to lie avoided rather than otherwise. Mr Fouthhy's

dread was lest taxation of some kind or other should arise l , or the district’s resources should be absorbed in thn construction of the proposed works, bis exact expression being that they “were not in a position to stand a copper.” He was quite willing to let the (Government do the work, but wholly averse to the district, paying anything for what would he the greatest boon it ever had be.sto.vcd on it. Wifi; p-ot iu Mr Milrov's opinion nothing more absurd could he conceived, for, though thesmall craft that now can enter, can bring up goods and take away wool or grain, they cannot carry slock to distant ports, and settlers consequently havo to drive them to Wanganui, or Taranaki, at great expense, inconvenience, and loss, there to ship them away as best they can, at heavier freights than would be charged from here, were the river available 1 for suitable vessels. If they do not choose these risks they have to sell to dealers, and sacrifice a huge proportion of their profits iu doing so. The most obtuse must perceive the difference between shipping from here direct and the present mode of disposal, and can afford to laugh at Mr Milroy’s contentment. Even if settlers sold to dealers, in lieu of shipping themselves, it is clear that-the latter would give far higher prices, if they avoided the long drive, and consequent depreciation in value, necessi rated by Wanganui shipment. Steamers and sailing vessels of comparatively largo tonnage could, iu case of these works being constructed, trade in safety, and the first effect would be a direct rise in stock of all kinds of from ten to twenty per cent by the more available market, opened up, and the greater facilities afforded for reaching it. If this advance on ‘the value of existing stock within the district be calculated, it will amount, wo believe, to far more than the whole cost of the works, whilst their influence would be permanent, and prices would be maintained. As to Mr Soilthby’s horror ot paying a light tax, should such, as is most improbable, be found necessary, wc are at a loss to understand. That gentleman is one of the largest landholders in the district, is a shrewd businessman, and would be as much benefitted by rivet navigation being improved as any one within the district. *His property, as well as that of other people, would be immediately largely enhanced in value, and, even if he'were called onto pay a small tax annually, it would be one of the most profitable investments he could possibly indulge in. Waiting for the Government" to take action, unless they have some security for the work, is cqnlvalant to waiting for the moon to change to green cheese, or for any other equally probable event. If the people, in this matter will not help thems* 1 !-::- ; e projected improvement may st ; for an indefinite period. A w;v ....; • suggestion was mad' 1 by : ■ -,- ;r. •; Williams, to ■ ■ meeting ' - 1 • ’ ’ whole ” ‘ ■ • a..;' people o- t' r- ' W'' and basin ss . ■' ; ' •” district, m purpose. T- U " ■ if, aWr ' ; erns, 'Urn : w action. .. .. . - • • could at once Do iOiiiiCci to j taJout.

Thorn is already a committee existing, called together to aid in the formation of a Harbor Board, which could well amalgamate, and indeed might,- with groat propriety, initiate the m'o’vemeut. The Ilarhor Hoard cannot be constituted without a special Act, which cannot be obtained or at least brought into operation, till the close; of the next "Parliamentary Session, ton late for any aid from the Assembly. By the inauguration of such a Comm it tee ns suggested, something definite might be obtained without delay, or probably the Government- might lie induced to support any reasonable proposals that could be submitted for early commencement. The Harbor Hoard Committee, We hope, will accept the responsibility of initiation, and take steps to call a public meeting, or meetings indeed, for Keieimirao, Hawera, Manntahi, Kakaramea, Wairna, Wbeiumkura, and other surrounding places, arc 1 equally interested. ]fthings are first properly explained, and Hum properly managed, the Harbor Works suggested by Mr (Jarrntbors, ■will not be the myths that they certainly will remain, if apathy and negligence be the order of the day.