THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O' CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 1878.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2853, 6 April 1878, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O' CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 1878.

At tho last meeting of the Harbor Board the question of a landing stago or wharf at Eopu was under discussion. A sum of money has been voted for this work, which is admittedly a necessary one. It has been taken for granted that tho wharf should b« erected on the same sito as that which was previously in existence at tho flax mill, on tho property of Mr Whitaker. With this view the County Council have made a branch road, a very commendable work no doubt, if the site chosen were the best that could !be selected. Wo havo heard it stated, however, that a much better sito for a wharf can be obtained near the natural harbor at tho mouth of the river. We offer no opinion, but simply commend this to the consideration of the Harbor Board and ask them to look into the matter.

The Press Agency is responsible for the statement that Dr Yon Haast has discovered in the Colony " n gigantic midden, 200 miles long, by 3C3 or 4QO yards wide." We do not protend to a knowledge of the sciences, exact or otherwise, but if the term " middon" is to be taken in its common acceptation, all we can say is that it is a wonder the discovery was not made years ago. It is highly improbable that such a thing can have existed so long nnd not havo been "scented." The olfactory nerves do not require a scientific training; they belong "to the natural order of faculties, and must lonjr since hare been susceptible of the presence of a "midden" of such vast extent. Leaving the discovery of such a thing and of such a size to the laborious researches of a scientist like Dr Haast, reflects little credit on the inhabitants of the Colony. We shall be curious to learn what direction the researches of the learned doctor will take in exploring the " midden " for traces of the antiquity of man in New Zealand. The subject is an exhaustive one, but a little unsavory, and as Don Quixote remarked to Sancho Panza, " the more it is stirred the more it will stink."

A cobbespondent in this day's issue calls attention to the Attorney General's opinion on the Broomhall contract with the Waste Lands Board, and suggests strengthening the hands of the Government by means of an action at law. This means of testing the question of legality has been suggested before, but our correspondent puts it in a practical shape: he is prepared to subscribe towards the expense. We would urge that it be taken up promptly. The Waste Lands Board has throughout acted inimically to the interests of the Thames, and now some of the members feel aggrieved that their action has been commented upon unfavorably. Let the people come forward and assist in trying this question, and as the Waste Lands Board members are paid for their services, perhaps they can be made to pay for iheir ill-judged action in trying to alienate the birthright of the people of this district to a stranger. It is worth a trial.