PATEA BAR-A COMPLAINT.

Patea Mail, 6 October 1882, Page 3

PATEA BAR-A COMPLAINT.

"We are requested to publish the following particulars : On October 3rd the pilot informed the captain of the Wakatu that he would give signals as to whether the bar was dangerous or otherwise, at 12 noon, so that the boat might leave for Wellington. At 1 p.rn. he signalled “ bar all right but when the captain was on the point of leaving, he signalled “ Bar dangerous thus putting everybody to great inconvenience and disappointment. On October 4th, 2-30 o’clock tide, the pilot promised to give signals by 1 p.m.: he did so at 1-80, only one hour before high water, when there was not time to get stock 2 miles and ship them not later than 3. The cattle and sheep were overheated, and hurriedly shipped, when the pilot again put up '‘"dangerous,” thus detaining the steamer another tide. Query : Does the new Pilot understand his duties, or could he not be satisfied that the bar feT TKan" one hour before high water ? This mode of proceeding will tend to divert trade in other directions. The above complaints seem to call for enquiry by the Harbor Board. The river should be managed carefully, especially by a new pilot ; yet it ought not to be managed so vesatiously as the above corunlaints snow. A pilot is expected to Mi the happy medium between caution and courageous risk. The Board will meet next Monday, when proper enquiry might be made.