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Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 2, Issue 94, 9 July 1859, Page 3

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To the Editor of the JBEawJce's Bay EerqU, Sib,—- I read Observer's letter attentively through, and as -he« touches' ;on harbour improvements, a subject which had occupied my own mind for some time, I think it my duty as a settler to give my opinion. I do so with more boldneßs, as .the subject was pressed on my mind from close observation at a time when I was much about the harbour. And as some good may be sifted from different opinions on bo important a matter, I give you mine. I think that harbour improvements should be considered as a whole ; and 5 work begun which might not bo finished in our day. But more of this hereafter. I believe a steam dredge is the most necessary thing for Napier harbour, to deepen it inside; but that it would be useless to try to work it on the bar, as one gale of wind woulikthrow up more sand than it would clear away in ; to say nothing of the difficulty, which must be very great, of work* ing so cumbrous a machine, with lighters alongside, in a strong tide-way, with the motion of the sea. I think that wharves facing private property should be erected by -private- enterprise. - As to heavy moorings in the harbour and roadstead, the present pilot is well qualified to give a sound opinion. 1 have always been of opinion that the only effectual way to improve Napier harbour is to run a pier or breakwater out from behind Mr. Smith's store, for two cables length, in a N. N. W. direction. But this would be a work of time and money. Now I come to the principal reason why I take up a pen to write, (although to pull an oar or a rope would be a much easier task for me). "Observer" draws a very dark picture of the probabilities of loss of life and property in entering Napier harbour. As yet, so far as I know, there has neither been one or the other ; but the caution is good, and should be considered. We are now on the eve of getting large ships and steamers to Na-r ] pier, and Bhould they arrive in rough weather J there are no means at present to deliver them of cargo or passengers, and, in consequence, they must either land at a great risk, — or take them on to another port, — or wait for moderate weather. Now, I would.humbly suggest that the Government should lose no time in getting a powerful little steam tvg — such as those used in the north of England— to be worked by the pilot and his crew in time of need, to land passengers and tow vessels and lighters out and in the harbour. Such a steamer would be invaluable in this port, and would, in course of a little time, pay its own expenses. S But should the Government not do this, I think if the people of Napier, with the Superintendent at their head, would call a public meeting, and appoint trustees to carry out such a thing, that the requisite capital would soon be collected in £10 shares. If it was only to run her to Wairoa and Porangahau, the s|)eculation would be a paying one. . I am, &c. '" t ' ' ' " Napieb's Well Wisher.