HARBOR WORKS AT WANGANUI.

Patea Mail, 11 December 1880, Page 3

HARBOR WORKS AT WANGANUI.

The Chairman of the Harbor Board. Mr Ballancc, says that as soon as the Wanganui river has 10 feet of water up to the wharf, two vessels will be laid on for direct trade to England. He belevcs this depth can be attained in six months. The Board have arranged the fmids to carry on the works outside the Heads, to run a wall 1800 feet iu length to within 300 feet of the bar. The Marine Engineer of the Colony was sanguine that this wall would give a depth of 18 feet to the bar. "With this object in view they should not let any small matter stand in the way. They had the means at hand, and the circumstances warranted the Board in going on with the work. Most of the members of the Board were agreed on that point. Trade with Sydney should bo encouraged, and he had long held that view. Sydney was now the terminus of the Orient line of steamers, which were revolutionising the maritime trade of (he Australasian Colonics, and it would be for the interests of Wanganui (o be in frequent communication with such a terminus. He had been delighted to hear from Mr Duthic that instructions had been given for the survey of the railway line beyond Wavcrloy. That extension was urgently needed, as it would enable Wanganui to compete with Waitara in the cattle shipping trade from the I’atea country. He was also strongly of opinion that special facilities should be given to the timber trade, for he was convinced that in the near future timber would form an important item of export from Wanganui.

The Fealhcrston Cheese Company is turning out a complete success, and proposes to extend its plant with a view to a larger production. The Company had its first sale a few days ago. Mr G. M. Reed has concluded arrangements for the purchase of twelve thousand acres of excellent farming land, for his special settlement situated within a few miles of Gisborne. Arrangements have also nearly been completed for future special settlements in various blocks further along the coast.