STEAM TO THE WEST COAST.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume II, Issue 151, 1 July 1867, Page 2

STEAM TO THE WEST COAST.

To the Editor of the Nelson Evening Mail. Sir — While all this discussion is going on about a railway to the diggings, which may or may not, be accomplished in three or four years at least, are ,we not forgetting the simpler and easier means of transit by sea ? There is or was a Trust Fund endowed^ to carry out steam communication between ports in the Nelson Province. As, I understand trusts, the yearly interests only are applicable; what then has become of the principal ? An4 why is it not available now, when so much'.waoted ? It is simply scandalous, sir, that four or five pounds should be charged for a four-and-twenty hour trip to the Buller, Grey, or Hokitika, or at the rata of 'is. 6d. per hour, for every hour on board— grub! you say^ I why you get none ! a,ad youc drink you

for at public-house prices, although there is a rebate of duty on all liquors 'consumed at sea. What is the New Zealand Steam Company doing? Losing "money between Wellington and. other ports. Let them send their fleet of ships 'over here, to compete with local, boats for the West Coast trade, and instead of a loss they would have a profit, and we should get rid of a monopoly. In conclusion let m'e beseech captains "or pursers of the. ships now running, to give more attention to packages entrusted to their care. A Uttle civility in this, way costs nothing-, and is appreciated, while the want of it may be a public loss. Where postal arrangements are defective as at Buller, Brightpn, Charleston— and raay I say Nelson ? important letters conveying money to wives, sisters, or friends, ?rid business communications, the receipt of which in time either means, profit or lsss, are entrusted to captains who pitch them to one side, and it not unfreqtiently happens that the ship makes more than 'one trip before the ; missing documents are found, and when fouFd are top late to be available. This wants looking into. Yours, . . Viator.