The Westport Times. TUESDAY, MAY 7, 1872.

Westport Times, Volume VI, Issue 968, 7 May 1872, Page 2

The Westport Times. TUESDAY, MAY 7, 1872.

The prospectus of the South Pacific Steam Navigation Company, appearing in another column, should command the attention of every member of this community who cares aught for his or her individual welfare, or the advancement and permanent prosperity of the port and district. Not merely as a matter of passing interest, but as worthy of earnest consideration and prompt business like action. "We have frequently called attention to the necessity that has long existed, and is now becoming every day more apparent ; for increased facilities for steam communication, and the desirability that Melbourne steamers should make this a port of call. It seems ridiculously absurd, an anomaly in commercial enterprise, that this port, admittedly the easiest of access, at all times and seasons, of any on the West Coast—commanding, as it does, a rapidly increasing trade, which in its expansive proportions proves the exception to the general rule that a supply creates a demand, inasmuch as the demand exceeds by a hundredfold every present possible means of supply —should be dependent on coasting craft alone. It is a matter of congratulation that the Nelson boats perform their duties efficiently to the full extent of their abilities; "and no slight meed of praise is due to everyone connected therewith for their untiring efforts to fulfil public requirements ; but what Westport sorely needs, and in fact should energetically seek to obtain ; is a direct and regular communication with the principal centres of Australian commerce. Not alone for increased facilities in colonial trade, but also to obtain a more direct and certain communication with the home markets. New Zealand importers now_ finding it to their advantage to receive shipments per clipper ships to Melbourne, and thence per steamer, instead of by the slow sailing craft coming direct from home to New Zealand ports. To this end we call at. tentiou to the prospectus now under notice. It is only recently that the Honorable James Bonar, the principal agent for M'Meekan, Blackwood, and Company's steamers, paid a visit to t'lis district, and not only from the representations then submitted by an influential deputation from our merchants ; but also from personal observation and enquiry, made himself acquainted with the capabilities of this port, and the result we have reason to believe, led to his giving a highly favorable report thereon to the directors of the company. But the change of proprietary now projected, suggests that the people of Westport should follow up their good work, and endeavour by their influence as an important trading community and as shareholders in the proposed venture, to secure a fair share of attention in any arrangements to be initiated by the directory of the new company for increased trading operations on the New Zealand coast. We take it for granted that no inconsiderable number of shares will be taken up in this district. The advantages offered are so obvious, the speculation, from a financial point of view, so manifestly secure, that few will doubt the wisdom of investing any spare capital at their command in South Pacific Steam shares. The more especially when it is remembered that shareholders will exercise an influence on the policy of the directory in indieating their desires as to any particular line of action, or extension of operations. It is not within our province to either praise or critisise the details of the prospectus now before the public. The statements and figures therein set forth, are no doubt capable of easy test and verification. We would simply urge upon the leading business men throughout this district to consider the matter, to consult together as to the advisability of forming an association for the taking up of shares in the company. Not so much with a view to ulterior profit thereon; but primarily as a basis of action from whence to obtain for this port direct and regular communication

with Australia. It is a matter that intimately concerns the entire community, and calls for prompt and decisive action.