THE VISIT OF THE INSPECTOR OF CUSTOMS.

West Coast Times, Issue 79, 5 December 1865, Page 2

THE VISIT OF THE INSPECTOR OF CUSTOMS.

TO THE EDITOR 09 THE " WEST COAST TIMES." Sir.- As the commercial community of this 4 port have no exponent of their views in the shape of a Chamber of Commerce, I am induced to' call the attention of the merchants of Hokitika, to the presenco of Mr Curkeek, the Inspector of Customs, with a view to their taking action oil some points of vital interest to themselves at a time when there is a gentleman here who cad attend to and rectify any grievances they may have. Among the more important subjects may be mentioned -the erection of a proper Customs' Shed on the quay, for the weighing, marking, and repacking of bonded goods ; the alteration of the prosent system of compelling importers or bonded goods coastwise to pay duty, per dockets, (whether there may be leakage, breakage, and the like) ; and an inorease in the present staff of Customs officers, whioh is generally acknowledged to be numerically insufficient. It appears to me that the present commercial importance of this thriving city is sufficient to warrant our merchants taking some action to establish a Chamber of Commerce, which would sanction a scale of port charges, attend to the redress of mercantile grievances, and supervise' generally the commercial interests of Hokitika. Trusting my humble efforts to effect these objects will not be in vain, I beg leave to subsoribe myself, Mbroator. Hokitika, Nov. 30, 1865.