THE HARBOR STAFF.

Evening Star, Issue 7161, 15 March 1887, Page 3

THE HARBOR STAFF.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir,—l submit for the consideration of the public that the time has arrived for a reconstruction of the Otago Harbor Board and Harbor Board’s staff. The chairman should bo a nautical man. We are repeatedly hearing of complaints, which, unfostunately, are too true. For instance, in Calcutta the name of the Port of Otago stinks in the nostrils of those engaged in the shipping interest. In New York, in Liverpool, and in London an outsider shakes his head when tho very name of tho port is spoken. It is a well-known fact that every strange ship that comes here is worked upon. Many strange, yet true, tales are told of the poet-hods employed in order to increase their towing expenses. The tug-boa l s, being public property, should not ply for revenue. The towing charges should be barely to cover working expenses, sinking fund, and interest j in other words, tlip tugboats should be a public convenience. Our compulsory pilotage system should be abandoned. The very idea of charging a steamer from L9O to Ll2O for piloting in the Port of Otago-Ll per minute-is outrageous. This need be a very nch country to wick. this excess up; I should be very well satisfied with LlO foj; the same work. lam prepared to make-one of four bona fide inen to work this harbor for LI,OOO per annum, including harbor - master’s, assistant harbormasters, inspector’s, pilots’, and captain and mate of tugs* duties. I may say that lam an accredited authority of the British Admiralty, English and American Lloyd’s. I hope that someone will take this question up, and help me to push tho matter through.—l am, etc., Master Mariner. Port Ohalmers, March 14.