OPUNAKE HARBOR.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 September 1919, Page 2

OPUNAKE HARBOR.

To tho Editor. Sir, —The pertinent remarks by "Query" re* the above in your issue of tho 13th Inst., are worthy of consideration by all sane, practical men. Tho proximity of Opunake to New Plymouth, 38 miles, is against harbor construction, apart from the fact that Opunake is the most exposed part on the whole of the Taranaki coast. The proposed sum (£50,000) to start harbor works would soon bo expended on preliminary works, and I much doubt if a bieakwater harbor to sheltor boats of the Aupourl class could be constrpcted for £500,000 to withstand the heavy westerly and south-westerly gales that frequently occur. Mr. T. Wilford, M.P., the late Minister of Marine, a few months ago when reviewing the failure of tho Walroa rirer protective works, which cost £IOO,OOO, sounded n note of warning that the Government would bo against such reckless expenditure, on abortive harbor works in the future. Now, in view of the Opunake-Motu-roa railway, which is in course of construction, is. thero the least necessity for such a coßtly undertaking which to please ft few enthusiasts, would land tho ratepayers with a millstone of debt round their necks, from which they would never recover? Tho only other harbor improvement on the Taranakl coast that would justify an outlay would be tho Mokau river to improve the entrance, snag the Tiver, and open up tho coal mines, that could supply tho whole of the Taranakl province with good coal, instead of importing from : our nearest port—Westport, 200 miles away. These are only suggestions, and I leave It to somo more able pen than mine, to take tho matter up.—l am, etc., , TASMAN. !