THE HARBOR—WHAT MUST BE DONE.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 274, 28 November 1877, Page 2

THE HARBOR—WHAT MUST BE DONE.

to every shade of opinion, but in no case do we hold ourselves responsible for the sentiments of our correspondents.]

(To the Editor of the Patea Mail.) Sir,—l note, with considerable satisfaction, that the Amended Harbor Bill has become law—for, although it does not give by any means all that is required, still it is one step more in the right direction ; and in those days of political disorganisation, we must be thankful for small mercies, though oven they have not been received without constant attention. I say all honor to those who have pushed the matter on to an issue.

1 am informed that the Harbor Board will now be in a position to commence the work. I hope they will at once set about it. Lot but a commencement be made, and there is little doubt that means will bo found to prosecute the work to a successful completion. I have been frequently astonished at the effect outside opinion appears to have had upon the-people of this County in regard to these harbor works. Outsiders, as a rule—notably some of the people of Wanganui—condemn the scheme, or ridicule it, as impracticable. The wish, in their case, is father to the thought. The desire to monopolise the Patea trade is, with them, of paramount importance. Their idea is to centralise — centralise in Wanganui! ! They say, <: It it absurd of you Patea people, and you Rangitikei people, to want or expect to have ports. Wanganui, with its great and noble river, is the natural head centre of the West Coast. You must and shall (if our influence is sufficiently powerful to make you) come to us for your supplies, and your exports shall go through no other*channel than that of our broad rolling river. We are the people! All others are subordinate.”

The Wanganui River is a noble stream. There is no gainsaying that, and all credit is due to those who are endeavoring to improve it ; but there is, in my opinion (will Wanganui allow a “subordinate” to have an opinion) one serious drawback to the early improvement of the river—the large sum required ; and the heavy work to be done will cause a serious delay in its completion ; whilst the proposed work at the Patea Heads is simple and comparatively inexpensive. Within twelve months the Patea River may, and will bo, improved sufficiently to admit traders of small draught from Wellington, Dunedin, Nelson, Auckland, or any other port in New Zealand. I say this can, and will be, effected within twelve months ; and, in the meantime, what special inducements can Wanganui offer—facilities for transhipping accompanied by all its contingencies : 'wharfage, storage, cartage, agents charges, &c. ? —Powerful inducements these ! No wonder that the efforts of the Patea people to throw off this yoke of monopoly is met with affected ridicule—l say “ affected,” because the real sentiment is one of fear that a lucrative trade will slip out of their hands for ever.

I would say to the people of Patoa, Do not allow this “ affected ” ridicule to influence you any longer. Look to your own interests. Consider how best to dovelope the resources of your splendid county. Encourage by every means in your power the efforts of those who are endeavouring' to make an outlet for your rapidly increasing produce, to the great enhancing of your property, and the rapid development of the rich resources of your count}' ; and when you hear these selfinterested people expressing ridicule, either ignore thorn altogether, or refer them to the reports of the Engineers—therein they will find (to them) bitter food for reflection —twenty feet of water on the bar, at a comparatively moderate cost, obtainable in a short space of time. What does that mean to Patea ? It certainly means the doubling or trebling of the value of property, and it most certainly means a death-blow to the Wanganui monopoly. Therefore, I would say to the people, Wake up and look to your own interests! You have recently had proof that you need not look outside for aid. You have now the means to make a start, but your strongly-united efforts will be required to assist in carrying the work to its finality. Let there but be unity throughout the county on this matter, unaffected by outside opinion, and there is no fear of the result. —I am, &c.

ONWARD,