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Westport Times, Volume VI, Issue 958, 2 April 1872, Page 2

Doubtless there have been many unpropitious circumstances in the history of Westport, which have tended to thwart its progress. At one time when discontent was seldom named in connection with its commercial pursuits, an unfortunate inundation was the first occurrence which proved detrimental to many of its property holders. Scarcely had that misfortune been overcome when it was succeeded by a conflagration of considerable magnitude in its principal thoroughfare. Another year is stigmatized by the watery elements makingdiortotrous encroachments on its chief buildings, and a third time, that confidence which is necessary to be sustained to promote progress, becomes shaken to its foundation. In these respects its commercial struggles have been greater in proportion to its population than those of the neighboring towns on the coast. Yet it may bear enquiry whether Westport has striven in like proportion to its neighbours to contend against its manifold adversities. That the Government, under whose nursing it has been unhappily placed, has permitted it to seek its own preservation as best it may, remains indisputable, and to present appearances, unalterable. But have all other means been adopted to enable its interests to cope with those of its neighbours ? Have not opportunities been neglected when present ing themselves to the public whereby the advancement of the district might have been hastened? Byno means aninsignificant impediment to the trade of this port has been the want of a proper tug and tender boat. Years ago this want was felt and complained of, and the necessity for its removal was on all sides admitted, but no practical steps were taken to rectify the deficiency. Looking at the present ; our imports are again on the increase, a new outlet for our importations has sprung up, and in all likelihood the coast ports are on the verge of being rushed by population from the neighboring provinces and colonies. The position of theporfc in respectto a steam tug and tender is improving, but beyond this provision, no attempthas been made to obtain the connection of the leading strings to the enterprise. Messrs M'Meckan, Blackwood, and Co. should be placed in possession of the fullest information on this subject with the view of inducing their steamers to make "Westport a port of call. Until such a course is taken and its completion achieved, we cannot have the remotest expectation of gaining for Westport anything like a share of the passenger traffic which is expected within the present year to reach West Coast shores. There is no reason why the attempt should not be again renewed by our representatives in the Provincial Council to have a local boat subsidised, to enable her to extend, her usefulness to the Karamea, Mohikinui, and Ngokawhau, as well as Charleston and Brighton. The system of subsidies for such pur-

poses is not a new one. The steamer Murray was subsidised for years by the Otago Government, the "Waipara is at present subsidised by the County of "Westland, for her southern trips, and to instance a less deserving case than either, we have the Lady Barkley paid by the Government of this province for her assistance in the rapid development of the terirtories of Collingwood and Motueka. An earnest attempt should now be made by our representatives and by the residents in the district to induce the large coasting boats to visit our port in thenpassing to and from Melbourne. The advantages may be imperceptible to many, but the incalculable benefits to all classes of trade would soon become discernable, and a want would be supplied which for years has acted as a drawback to the trade and importance of the port.