NOTES FROM CHARLESTON.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 421, 5 December 1868, Page 2

NOTES FROM CHARLESTON.

(feom a correspondent.) The Nile bridge is a great subject of tjilk with some of our " politicians." They seem to harp on the one subject of the Government buying the Nile bridge, and leaving it open to the public. As for myself, Ido not see the great advantage that is to be derived. True, a toll of a shilling is heavy ; but as for horsemen, a man who can aftbrd to ride can surely afford to pay toll. If the Government had had any forethought, and had bought the bridge, or, still better, built it themselves, and charged reasonable toll, it would long before this have paid itself, and a good revenue might be derived from it. Ultimately they could have opened the bridge free to the public. There are many subjects more important than the Nile bridge which ought to be brought before the Government — such as in the interior, a road to Waite's Pakihis, the sale of town lands, postal com munication, and harbor improvements. I must say we are a selfish lot. For instance, a vessel comes in with our goods. We receive them safely. Then, after we have got them, the vessel may break to pieces. By the Herald, the advisability of having proper moorings for the port has been urged upon the Government, but all to no avail. If we had the money that has been thrown away on the wharf which is now lying on the North Spit at Westport, we should have had something to show for it.

I observe by your paper of the 22nd ult., that the steamer Waipara could not enter Constant Bay, owing to the heavy surf. lam not aware whether your reporter was informed to that effect, but, it it is the case, I think there was no cause for the statement. I have seen the same report on different occasions, and have seen sailing vessels enter with safety, when the steamers would " turn tail to it." I may not be a great judge of these matters, but, seeing that no accidents do hap] en, at this port, I naturally come to the conclusion that such reports are apt to give the place a bad name, without any just cause. I know that the schooner Ann, from Q-reymouth, came off the port on Saturday the 26th, aud entered safely in the evening. The steamer John Penn also called off the port, and transhipped passengers into the surfboats. lam told that, weather permitting, it is the intention of Capt. Carey to call here for passengers regularly.