The Lyttelton Times. January 29, 1853.

Lyttelton Times, Volume III, Issue 108, 29 January 1853, Page 6

The Lyttelton Times. January 29, 1853.

A very numerous and influential Meeting was held at Wellington on the Bth instant, the object of it being the erection of a Wharf for the accommodation of the Steamers which will soon be running between Panama and Australia. At Auckland the public are naturally as anxious that the Steamers should make it the port of call, and point out that it is the natural route between Panama and Sydney. As this plan would, from the distance of Auckland from the other settlements, in a great measure deprive them of the benefits to be derived from the introduction of direct Steam communication with England, it is their duty no less than their interest to do their utmost to ensure that Wellington, the most central. Port of New Zealand, should be made the point of call. The geographical position of Wellington evidently points it out as the most suitable spot, and the recent discovery of a good and available Coal field in its immediate neighbourhood adds to the conviction. All that our neighbours want is a convenient Wharf at which the Steamers may lie alongside, and this appears to be likely soon to be erected, judging by the unanimity which prevails. We think that some steps should be taken in this Settlement, by calling a public meeting, to further the views of our Wellington neighbours, and we throw out the suggestion in the expectation that it will be taken up by the Merchants and others of Lyttelton. It will be seen by an article which we have published from the New York Herald, that the Americans are fully alive to the advantages to be derived from steam with Australia, and no doubt Brother Jonathan will soon have a line established from Panama. Let us, therefore, do our utmost to secure the calling of all the Steamers at New Zealand, and concentrate our efforts in making Wellington the great Steam Depot. The following memorial was adopted by the meeting at Wellington:— The Memorial of the Undersigned Inhabitants of Wellington sheweth —

" That your Memorialists learn by the last English mail, that there is every prospect of steam communication, rut. Panama, being established within the next few months between England and the Australian Colonies, one Company, the Australian and Pacific Mail Packet Company, having beep already formed, received its charter, and entered into contract for the building of five iron vessels.

" That your Memorialists understand that it is intended by this Company that their steamers should on their outward voyage to Sydney, call at one of the Northern ports of New Zealand, but that on her return to Panama they should pass through Cook Straits, touching either at this place or Nelson.

" That your Memorialists, looking to the geographical position of Port Phillip, and to its recent rapid advancement in wealth and population, are convinced in their own minds that it must sooner or later become the great centre of steam communication between the Australian Colonies and the Parent country, and that in such case Wellington would naturally and inevitably be made the port of call

for all steamers running between Panama and Port Phillip. "That your Memorialists are gratified to hear from the deputation which recently waited upon your Excellency, that your Excellency both fully appreciates the great advantage which would accrue to Wellington from its being made the Port of call, and are earnestly desirous of securing them by any means in your Excellency's power. " That your Memorialists gather from the communications that have been received, that the Trustees both of the existing, and of all future Companies, will be guided in the selection of a Port in New Zealand in a great measure by the facilities afforded them for landing passengers and cargo, and for taking in coal, &c.

" That your Memorialists are given to understand that perhaps the greatest inducement they can offer to the Directors of such Companies, is the erection of a Jetty with sufficient depth of water to enable the steamers to lie alongside of it.

"That your Memorialists would therefore very respectfully but earnestly urge your Excellency to cause immediate steps to be taken for the construction of a Jetty, even though it should be of a temporary kind, and to give information to the Directors of the Steam Company that such accommodation will be provided for their vessels.

" That your Memorialists are fully satisfied that any expenditure incurred by your Excellency for such an object will be gladly sanctioned by the Legislature of this Province."

To His Excellency Sir George Grey, &c, &c,