HOKITIKA IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE.

West Coast Times, Issue 40, 5 September 1865, Page 2

HOKITIKA IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE.

A special meeting was called on September 2nd, to take into consideration communications from Capt. Adams and others, respecting the present dangerous state of tho port of Hokitika.

Members present — Messrs. Hawkes, Prosser,Munro, Clarke, Anderson, Bracken, and Palmer (in the chair). Proposed by Mr Munro, seconded by Mr Hawkes— " That the letter from Mr W. Adams, and enclosure signed by Captain Crabb and others be received, and forwarded to Captain Gibson as requested ; and that the name be inserted in the minutes of this meeting, and copies sent for publication in the Ilokitika papers. [COPY Or LETTER.] To the Ilokitika Improvement Committee. Gentlemen, — We, the undersigned ship-owners and masters of vessels trading to the poit of Hokitika observing the great apathy and want of energy on the part of the harbor department connected with the port in organising a better system of giving information to vessels in the roadstead, concerning depth of water, state of the bar, etc ., than the present mode of signalising affords ; also the inadequate facilities at command to render assistance to vessels after having crossed the bar to get safely into the river, respectfully solicit your assistance in communicating, per first opportunity, with Captain Gibson, the port officer of Canterbury, for the purpose of forwarding this requisition and enclosed suggestions for his favorable consideration ; and would, at the same time remark, that wo feel assured from experience, the moveable beacons, etc., would be of much greater service in directing vessels how and where to take tho bar than the paltry flags now in use, and a lasting benefit to the port. " We tcust, gentlemen, that in soliciting your co-operation to take this matter in hand on our behalf you will coincide with us, and at once see the necessity of appealing to head quarters, in order to get the improvements suggested carried out as quickly as possible, otherwise we fear our apathetic harbor-master, who appears so very deficient of discernment and energy in these matters, will allow matters to go on in his usual style, to the great injury of the port, importers, shipowners, etc., and finally resulting in numerous other wrecks." I remain, Gentlemen, for thoso signing requisition for improvement of harbor, Yours truly, William Adams, Owner of Lloyds' Herald. To F. D. Gibson, Esq., Port Officer, Lyttelton. Dear Sir, — We, tho undersigned shipowners and masters of vessels trading to the port of Hokitika, would respectfully urge upon you the necessity of at once placing two light lattice-work moveable beacons, painted rod, on tho north spit, one — say 15 feet high, in order that the chaunel may be properly defined, by taking tho two in one ; likewise, that the direction of tho channel may be made out by vessels approaching the bar at a greater distance at sea than the preseat diminutive flag posts of— say 7 feet high afford. " We would also strongly recommend a system of signalising what depth of water on the bar, time of high water, state of channel — if good or bad ; in fact, to be more communicative in putting questions and giving answers to vessels while lying 'in the roadstead, to ascertain if they are in want cf any information. "Wo also beg to call your attention to the want of — say 3 mooring piles on the south spit ; a dolphin in the lagoon ; and the necessary warps to givo assistance to vessels after crossing tho bar should they require it, and to enable them to haul safely into the river. " In bringing this matter specially before your notice; wo may observe that had tho port been supplied with these last mentioned appliances, several wrecks would havo been prevented. " We, thcroforo, trust in submitting those suggestions to your notico for improving the harbor, that you will give tho matter your earliest consideration.'' . Wo have the honor to subscribe ourselves, Dear Sir, Yours most obediently, Thos. B. Crabb, master, Lloyd's Herald. William Adams, owner, Lloyd's Herald. William Black, master, Wild Wuve. Thomas Zealand, master, p.s. Lady of tho Lalco. A. Smith, owner of sch. Wild Wave. Ard. 8011, master, Mount Alexander. William Hooper, master aud owner, City of Nelson. Thos. Whitwell, master, s.s. Wallaby. James Leys, lato master, s.s, Ruby. Louis Anclovson, late master, p.e, New Zealand. ' :

R. Smith, master and owner, sch. Iona« John Cowan, master, Wallace. Robt. Nicoll, master, p.s Yarra. J. Houghton, late owner, sch. Blue Belt* Robert Mason, owner, Wallace. * James M'Beth, owner, Ruby. G. M. Allen, agent, Mary Van livery. Lloyd,Taggart & Co., agents and owners. Chas. M'Lean, master, s.S. Eleanor. Hokitika, Ist Sept., 1865.