WESTPORT LETTER.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7874, 27 May 1891, Page 2

WESTPORT LETTER.

•■■--- - -May 16. ; The census returns show that Westport has gained 500 in population since last cenijus, the total for the borough, beina; now 26311 ■ The populatlQa of the county of Buller (excluding the Karamea Biding, the result for which is not yet announced* is approximately 7«5,;9f: which 1600 Jβ: Denniston. Considering the large exodus caused last year by the otrika, these results are not discouraging. The Harbour Board deputation to the Government have been partially successful in their purpose,.having obtained a reduction of' the contract time for the Ngakawau bridge to ten months, with a bonus of £30 a month if finished earlier. Unfortunately, however, they have not been successful in their other demands, the Government having decided to adhere- to their decision to retire Mr Wilson from the harbour engineership, and tbe prospects of wharf extension and other improvements (except the staiths contract, at present in hand), appear likely fc> be shelved for some time, the Railway Commis3ioriers strongly objecting to the proposed lengthening of the wharf, although its extension ■ upwards to Wakefleld street and downwards to then -ataiths; is . lor in Sir Cqode's plan. Xt is reported that the Government authorities are disinclined to allow any further expenditure than for the present staiths contract, and apprehensions are felt that the training, wall will not be proceeded with, ans' the work on the breakwaters stopped, a policy which will have a most injurious, effect on (he fortunes of this district. It is to be hoped that better counsels uiay prevail. . The cattle nuisance still continues to be a perpetual irritation to the gardening portion of our townspeople, and ah injury to the town ditches, the .edges of which are broken down by the animals browsing on the rich grasses that grow on their banks. Our worthy R.M., Mr Byre Kenny, deserves the thanks of the community for the strenpqui effort* he. has made to abate the nuisance, but it is still flourishinytn spite of fines. Arrangements were made for the construction of a public pound, some months ago, but no practical eeault appears to h&ve yet resulted. A gymnastic club has just been formed here. The first meethin was held last week, Mr .£k>rsgrov« |n the chair. Arrangements have- been made with the lessees of the Palace Rink Hall, and the first practice Iβ to take place to-night. The Palace Rink Hall is now open moat evenings of the week for rinking purposes and occasional competition* are held. «-&tei!»re ' DlcSf BrosY, phonpgraph erfterrainment was given in the princess Theatre on We'd*p|?sday eYening,and drew the" largest uudience ever packed into the ball.. The ftgrfermanege of the insjrftment and the lecture of Professor Archibald were highly appreciated.