COMMISSIONER GUDGEON'S VIEWS ON THE NORTH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9202, 3 November 1888, Page 6

COMMISSIONER GUDGEON'S VIEWS ON THE NORTH.

Our Kawakawa correspondent thus refers to an interview he had with Commissioner Gudgeon during his recent visit to Kawakawa. Your correspondent waited on Major Gudgeon prior to his departure, after his official tour of inspection in the Bay of | Islands and Mangonui. The extreme j urbanity of the gallant Major made the duty a most agreeable and interesting one, from his pleasing remarks respecting his surprise and "ratifying accounts of this his first visit to our»Northern counties. Although time did not permit of a more extended tour, and a trip via the Victoria Valley to Hokianga, vet the magnificent scenery of Whangaroa harbour and its vicinity, superior even to the justly admired and very beautiful ! Bay of Islands and Russell Harbour, as j well as the no less beautiful and romantic entry by Doubtless Bay to Mangonui Harbour and inlet, and its very pretty surroundings, were all much admired, and spoken of as unequalled in scenic effect; and the evident advanced state of settlement was fully dilated on and described by our well-pleased visitor. The Chief Commissioner spoke also very warmly of the state of general efficiency of the different i police-stations, and the officers under the j District Inspector McGovern, to whom he | accorded a well-merited record of his ! efforts to retain that efficiency and I good order. He, however, excepted the | police buildings, etc., at Kawakawa, and from his remarks I have no doubt a change will be soon effected in that direction. In answer to your correspondent relative to the rival cities of Auckland and Wellington, whilst he candidly blamed the latter city for its puerile and provincial-like action in reference to the larger and fast-advancing city of the North, he yet affirmed that the more favourable opinions of many in contrast with Auckland, was caused by the very strenuous exertions and constant watchings by the Harbour Board and municipal authorities to use every means in their power to enhance the accommodation of their harbour and city, which, he acnowledged, contrasted most favourably for Wellington, more particularly in reference to the shipping interests, the wharf accommodation, absence of fees and rates, etc. It certainly does seem strange when this subject has been so frequently alluded to by the Press, that a change is not made in this direction with the Auckland authorities, for while commanders of steamers and traders speak in the highest terms of the accommodation, and desire to afford every assistance and economical outlay as to wharfage and dues in Wellington, the contrary seems to be the rule in Auckland, whose magnificent, harbour and princely endowments should make her the premier in matters so important and conducive to the well-being and future greatness of the j capital of the North.