Poverty Bay Standard. PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY, THURSDAY AND SATURDAY MORNINGS. GISBORNE: SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 1883.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1306, 7 April 1883, Page 2

Poverty Bay Standard. PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY, THURSDAY AND SATURDAY MORNINGS. GISBORNE: SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 1883.

The necessity which exists for the immediate construction of Harbor Works here, is amply exemplified by the fact that sheep are being continually sent from the Bay to Auckland, and thence, through aid of the refrigerating process, to England. This is undoubtedly a crying shame, and the question is, who have we got to thank for it, We have lately been somewhat rough on our M.H.R., in consequence of his own careless actions, but when credit is due we pride ourselves that we can, aud do give it. Mr McDonald has fought both well and strougly for the interests of Poverty Bay, and eventually succeeded in getting a Bill passed for the construction of Harbor works. This was accomplished by dint of dogged persistency, and, we venture to say, sheer hard work. Few men representing a district such as Poverty Bay could have so succeeded, Heretofore we had been looked on as nothing, but gradually through the determined action of our representative, Poverty Bay, as a port, assumed a standing and position, and notwithstanding all that has been done by an interested few (for very obvious purposes) has now a recognised status —and rightly too. Poverty Bay is nearer than any other port in New Zealand,'and this we are prepared to prove by figures, should our word be doubted. Poverty Bay is possessed of equally good, ii not superior, pastoral laud than any portion of New Zealand, and this statement is constantly confirmed by visitors from the South. Another thing, our Bay is the only port of refuge between Wellington and Auckland Yet in the face of this there is an outcry about “ additional taxation” as soon as the question of making a harbor is raised, but, be it remembered it is only by silly fuola, or by would-be leaders of public opinion, possessed uf what is generally termed I rout—no one would ever credit them with having brain, i'hese addle-puted asses fail to see furthei than their noses, and by every means hamper and thwart the action of an intelligent, if not a highly cultivated man. Mr McDonald has repeatedly stated that he does not pretend to be a man of letters, and that he went to the House, not to talk, but to work. Mr McDonald has worked, and worked well, and as we have just said, it is unfair and wrong to throw obstacles in his way. A cogent reason why Mr. McDonald’s effort to secure a breakwater for the place should be upheld is the fact of the New Zealand Land Settlement Cotnpanj' having acquired so much property in the district. Now, with half an eye, it must be patent to any thinking person that the community as a whole must benefit by the occupation of land in close proximity to the town, and its OO'ieequent cultivation. Then it follows that th- •e must be an outlet for the produce of the soil, and here comes the imperative necessity which exists for breakwater or harbor improvements. Only small craft can at present enter the Turanganui River, and although they are extremely useful their carrying c ipacity, as well ns their general uiifitledness, reuder them unavailable for the speedy conveyance of exports. The steamers which visit us are all that can be desired, but then there is the trouble, as well as the risk ami expense of transportation, and the incurrauce of expenses which absolnely eat up the whole of the profits. Nature has given us a natural formation for a breakwater, and it isimply left for man to build the superstructure. Let this be done, aud w« u ill hav. noble vessels coming to our port, conveying our imports aud carrying uWay our exports, and in fact building up a trade which would of necessity benefit everyone resident in the district. It is not alone the townspeople win would reap advantage, but the settlers would be equally benefitted. As Napier is making strenuous efforts to secure moneys for harbour improvements, why should not Gisborne do so ? If all were to work together, and bury petty jealousies, we should advance by great strides aud make for Gisborne a name, as well as securing for all welfare and prosperity.