OUR HARBOUR BOARD.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 46, 14 June 1876, Page 2

OUR HARBOUR BOARD.

TO TUB EDITOR OF THE EVENING MAIL. Sib., —Sometime since—about the middle of last month, I think—an article appeared in your then issue, which greatly pleased a large number of your patrons, and whicliTeally did seem as if you had aroused from your too quiet tone, to make an impression upon the members of our Harbour Board.

I, for ous, however insignificant, chimed in with every woi - d you had written, and with a crowd of others waited the result of your promised inquiries. "The ugly rumours about town," anent (as your contemporary editor would write) the cessation of our Harbour Board Works, have not, that I have heard, been met with any denial from the gentlemen who direct them, and there is yet some show of wheelbarrows about the wharf. Now, a long while ago—perhaps before your time—"Punch" used to amuse the public, jvith his weekly strictures, on the drowsy way in which the Nelson monujnent was put up. One week he announced that a, man "is now employed." Next week he announced that "a boy was added to the staff." On the third 'week he printed, in large capitals, his gladness to assure the public that the Board of Works, under whose control this national monument to Nelson was placed, had determined to prosecute the work with vigour, and they had now "put on a wheelbarrow."

I hardly know whether there is any application of "Punch's" quiz to our Harbour members, but I am afraid a man, a boy; and a wheelbarrow are required now at our great Harbour improvements. ;-'.'. ;:-'K; ; : : j; ; ' ; : ;"X People are always pleased ibfey find the ideas of others chime and many, besides mild. : strictures were needed. deed, has been expressed have abandoned all remarks since ance of your leading article. I, however, do not intend to let the matter sleep,, and should like to see others awake to the necessity of doing more than hitherto has been done in the way of inquiry and suggestion. There is, I believe, no complaint from any quarter as to the solidity of Messrs. WalMmi and Peyman's work, and whilst themselves—who are practical men, and have a pbsttioiTto'maintain—the character of their work will bear any test. It would be as well, too, if these gentlemen were more independent of control, and as the responsibility for an efficient breakwater is theirs, suggestions as to using'far less cement, because of cost, ought, if made, to be utterly unheeded. I am almost fearful to ask you to publish all the ' 'on dits " relative to this great—say national—work ; but if you will aid me, I shall not shrink from continuing the subject. My attention lately has been a little diverted from this important matter, but it is of too great moment to the Oamaru public to be readily ignored. I enclose my card, but fprS the present permit me to wear a June 12, 1876. Mask..>>