The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1868.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 275, 18 June 1868, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1868.

It is rather surprising that, up to the present time, none of the commercial men of Westport have considered the desirability of procuring the services, of a local steamer, or if they have given the subject any consideration, nothing has been done in the matter. When the Greymouth people resolved on purchasing a steamer for towage and harbour purposes generally, they did not need it one quarter as much as this port does now, but, notwithstanding giving a high price for their boat, and several disasters at the outset, the speculation has proved of vast benefit to the commercial interests of Greymouth. We think that but lew can have reflected on the advantages that would flow from the possession of a small local steamer here, otherwise surely a company would long ago have been formed for the purpose. In the first place, if such was always available, there is scarcely any doubt that the Panama Company would allow their vessels to call at the Buller at stated intervals, as they would then be assured that no unnecessary delay in discharging cargo or passengers would arise, whilst merchants aud traders would thereby be enabled to obtain direct shipments from Melbourne, Sydney, or other places, without the delay and expense now occasioned through their landing at Hokitika. We have so recently pointed out the beneficial results of the ocean-going and inter-colonial steamers making Westport a port of call, that we need not reiterate them, but may sum up by saying that our gold, cargo, and passengers inwards and outwards could in that case be shipped direct. No greater inducement could be held out to the large boats than an assurance of being promptly tendered, and the establishment of a boat here would afford that. This alone would be worth all the money that a suitable vessel would cost, but there are many other advantages to be gained in addition to this. In the first place, if proper judgment was used in the purchase, it would be such a boat as would combine power enough for towing purposes, carrying capacity for a moderate cargo, and such accommodation for passengers as would be required on short trips. By power for towage we mean sufficient to bring in moderate sized vessels, as the owners of the larger craft that frequent the port have tugs of their own to wait on them, and if the number increases, then it would be time enough to change the lesser for the larger boat. By this means constant communication with Charleston would be kept up, for anything like a smart captain could leave the Buller at half flood or a little before, and arrive at Charleston at high water, discharge, and leave the t>ame tide. By these means the Charleston people in moderate weather could depend upon receiving supplies regularly, and the boon that that would be to them, the commercial people of the place well know. On this very ground we doubt not that a large number of shares in the company would be taken up at Charleston and Brighton, for arrangements could easily be made for regular communication with the latter place, if thought desirable. When there were neither steamers to tender, or goods offering for the above-mentioned places, the steamer could be profitably employed in fetching coal from Mokihinui and carrying such little cargo as might be offered. Besides these, it is

quita possible that a trip to theKaramea at times might pay, though that, of course, is but a speculation. Taken altogether, however, it must be clear that a vessel of the kind cannot be otherwise than most useful, that it would be the means of diverting both trade and passengers to Westport and its district, and afford great conveniences to travellers of all descriptions. There need be no fear of this bar being blocked up at any time, for in the worst weather it is seldom that so heavy a sea is on it, as to prevent free ingress and egress for more than a few hours. The advantages to be gained then are direct communication, postal and otherwise, with Mel. bourne, Sydney, and the provinces of New Zealand, by means of the large steamers; inducements to owners of vessels to come here, as a tug would be always ready to tow them in ; the opening up of a profitable coal trade with Mokihinui; and last, though by no means least, constant commercial intercourse with Charleston and Brighton. Arising out of these are various other incidentals, and altogether more substantial reasons for any enterprise could not well be put forward.

The next questions come, what would be the necessary capital, what kind of of boat would be required, where would it be obtainable, and. what would be the price ? These can be better answered by others than by us, but we might remark that the requisite capital would not be large. A first-class article is not wanted, all that is requisite is a boat of light draught, moderate power, and a good sea-going craft. "We should think that one suitable could be got for less than £3OOO with ease ; there are many in New Zealand that would answer admirably, that could we believe, be purchased for that sum. This however is a matter for subsequent discussion, the question now is, are the commercial people of this part of the Coast inclined to go into the speculation. A company of say six hundred shares at £5 , would meet with no difficulty in being floated, if the principal merchants and others chiefly interested, wonld only set it going, and as it would be a direct benefit to every one, few, having the means, would scruple to take shares in order to promote trade, if there was no hope of dividends arising out of the venture. At the same time if only tolerably well managed, we cannot see how it could be otherwise than a most remunerative investment; even looking on the blackest side of the picture, the money thus spent would not be wasted, but would come back in increased trade and improved business. Let us hope that Westport like Greymouth may soon be able to boast of its own steamer.