WAIOTAHI. —PUBLIC MEETING. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIV, Issue 3356, 18 April 1868, Page 3

WAIOTAHI. — PUBLIC MEETING. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Ths residents of this locality held a public meeting on Thursday evening list, in the large room of Mr. Mulligan's Governor Bowen Hotel, for the purpose of taking into consideration the beat site for the propoHed wharf at that place. . Mr. Robert Graham, having been unanimously called to preside, thanked those assembled for the honour done him, and trusted that the meeting would be conducted in an orderly manner. The object "for which they had now met was to consider how and where a wharf , should be constructed at the Waiotahi. ,' Objections had been raised on account of the mud bottom. Jealousy might exist between Shortlaod and this place, bub before the matter was settled scientific and practical mea would be consulted, whose opinion would be taken, when it would be the duty of a committee appointed by the meeting to determine on the best site for the construction of i fcbe wharf. Mr. Felix Mack stated that he had taken the levels, and estimated the cost. There was one point j which he considered to be the best for a landingplace ; and if his calculations were received by the committee, be would build a wharf 450 feet long, with » depth at high water of 9 feet 6 inches, for the sum of £600. He admitted that the bottom was not good, but there was abundance of rock in the neighbourhood that would serre to form a breakwater. He considered the best situation for a wharf was opposite Grahamstreet : if at any other point, it would entail a further cost of £150. He had beird tbat at a point close to Mr. Cook's place was suitable, but, from the estimate he had made, he was in favour of Graham -street. Mr. Miioheljj said that, as the meeting had been called for the purpose of selecting a site for a wharf, he would be glad to see the best place chosen, as well as that which would be most convenient for the geueral public He had an interest in Shortland Town, as also in Tookey's Town, but, as the general voice should be considered in the matter, private interests should not be introduced. It wai very satisfactory to hear the last speaker state 94 feet of water could be got; at the end of the propose ( wharf, as the ' Midge 1 and ' Tauranga steamers could then land passengers and cargo alongside. He had heard thai; a gentleman was' now in Shortland who had made proposals for the construction of a tramway between that place and the Waiotahi, and, taking into consideration that where there was an open sea it might not be safe in all weathers, he considered the port of entry should be at Shortlaod. Promiscuous goods might be landed at the Waiotahi, but bonded goods should go to Shortland. (Mr. Denny, interrupting the speaker, was called to order by the Chairman.) Mr. Mackay was spoken to on $he subject of * port of entry when the business was chiefly confined to Shortland. It was then understood tbat Sbortland was to be the port. Now, however, seeing that business went with the diggers, the Waiotahi should be selected, if a whart could be built for the sum mentioned, the depth of water allowing the steamers to go alongside. Mr. Mulligan was glad to say that he had made money in the old town as well as in Waiotahi, and whenever the public should decide upon having the whurf built he would subscribe a share of the c sfc. Captain BtUCKBNBOKr agreed with Mr. Mitchell tbat the place which afforded the best natural facilities for landing should be the place selected. The district at present was but the nucleus of a large goldfield, the ultimate extent of which, and where the population might be centred, should be borne in mind in connection with the building of a wharf. Mr. Mace said he would give a guarantee that the 'work would be completed in three months. Mr. Cook differed from Mr. Mack in the selection of a site proposed by tbat gentleman. Other speakers were of opinion that the work could be done cheaper. Mr. Horne observed that the object of the meeting was not advancing. He would, therefore, move, " That a committee, consisting of Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Brackenbury, Mr. Mulligan, Mr. Felix Mack, Mr. It. Cleave, and Mr. John Goodall, be appointed to advertise for, and receive, estimates for the construction of a wharf at Waiotahi." Seconded by Mr. Dundas. The motion was put to the meeting, and carried. The Chairman stated that he would wait on his Honor the Superintendent, with the view of ascer* taining what funds he had at his disposal to assist the undertaking. Mr. Mitchell said that he had waited on the Superintendent, requesting a contribution ia aid of a public work, and was told there was not a single shilling at his disposal for such a purpose, as the province up to that time had not_received a sixpence from the Karaka goldfield. In order that the committee should wait on his Honor and also the Civil Commissioner, be would propose that the meeting adjourn until that day week. This resolution was seconded and carried. Mr. Br^ckenbtjry having proposed, and Mr. Mulligan having seconded, a vote of thanks to the Chairman for the manner in which he had conducted the meeting, Mr. Robert Graham replied that, when he went to Wellington, he would stand up in his place in the House of Representatives and inquire where the money went to. (Cheers.) Three cheers were given for Mr. Mulligun, and the meeting closed.