HOKITIKA WHARF EXTENSION

West Coast Times, Issue 230, 14 June 1866, Page 2

HOKITIKA WHARF EXTENSION

According to a resolution passed at the meeting held at the Criterion Hotel, on Tuesday night, to devise, if possible, means for the extension of the wharf Westwards, a deputation consisting of Messrs Pahn, Fit/simmons, Binney, Byrne, Cassius, Hudson, and Prosser, waited on Mr Sale for the purpose of ascertaining what steps had been taken in connection with the wharf extension. Mr Prosser introduced tho deputation, which was courteously received by Mr Sale, who, in reply, stated that he had called for tenders for the purpose of ascertaining the probable cost of constructing a work to protect the river bank, and form a thoroughfare sufficiently wide to admit tho passage of a dray to a point a little below Revell street. These were duly sent in, and on being opened it was found that the necessary improvements might be effected for abont L6OO. He at once communicated with the Executive in Christchurch, and in reply received a telegram to the effect that the Government was not prepared to \novix such an expense. Mr Sale, however, being evidently fully alivo to the importance of tho .work, advised tho deputation to draw up a memorial and forward it to Christchurch, as such a procedure might result in the Government giving its assent to the construction of the required work. Tho deputation fully concurred with Mr Sale, and alter thanking him for his courtesy, withdrew. At a later hour, a committee meeting was hold, when the following memorial was drawn up for transmission to Christchurch by this evening's mail :-— To His Honor the Superintendent, &o. The memorial of the undersigned residents in Gibson's Quay, Eevell street, &c, showeth,— • That at a meeting of the inhabitants of Hokitika South, it was resolved that a memorial be sent to your Honor, respecting the present dangerous state of the Hokitika river bank, .running in a Westerly direction from Wharf street. Your memorialists, therefore, respectfully request that immediate and decisive steps be takon for the purpose of extending the wharf as far as Mr Ilowarth'd store.

That this work is necessary, not only for Gibson's Quay West, but also for the preservation of Kevell street ; for should the river be allowed to encroach as it has hitherto done, it is not improbable that, when it forms a new channel through the North spit, it may seriously endanger the best portion of Rev.ell street. That already property to the extent of £10,000 has been sacrificed, and persons actually ruined through tho delay in carrying out a work which, when accomplished, cannot but meet with the ent'ro approbation of the residents of Ilokitiku, and

greatly enhance the value of land which would otherwise be swept away. That th* Town of Hokttika being the centre and capital of such an important district as Westland, has become of so much importance that it is necessary that a proper wharf should be constructed in tho above portion of the town, and not merely temporary protection. May it therefore please your Honor to take the prayer of your memorialists into consideration. June 13, 1866.