A STEAM TUG AND FIRE ENGINE.

Evening Post, Volume XVII, Issue 542, 21 June 1879, Page 2

A STEAM TUG AND FIRE ENGINE.

TO THB BDITOB OF IHE BTBHIITO rO»T. fliK— Tha neeenity of a steam tug for this port is well recognised, but the possibility o its proving a paying speculation generally forgotten. Some time since, as one of a deputation from the Chamber of Commerce, I brought the mutter under the notice of the Government, •ugeeiting that an enquiry should be male as to whether it would not be possible to work the pilot service from a tug itwtead of trora tha pilot station at the Head*, and no extra hands would be required, tho co.t of c >al, dec., being tbe only additional expense. I h«ve not seen the official result of the enquiry, but hava heard that the Marine Department could not recommend it, and there were no funds available to purchase a steamer. Captain Rose lately brought to the notice of the Chamber of Commerce, the fact that the tv? in Lyttelton is fitted with powerful fire engiaes. and in his motion a request will be ¦cnt to tbe Chairman of the Lyttelton Harbor Board to allow an exhibit of her powers t > be made during her approaching visit to Wellington. The advantage and economy of a combined pilot service, tug service, and steam fira engine, are so apparent a* to need no argument in its favor, and it is to be hoped will not ba overlooked hy tho proper authorities. I am, etc , J. R. Oboxob.