THE JETTY.

Opunake Times, Volume I, Issue 10, 3 August 1894, Page 3

THE JETTY.

(to the editor.) Sir, —It must be very gratifying to the town and surrounding district of Opunalte to see by your paper of 20th July that the Government are taking steps to collect all necessary information and data regarding the replacing ef the old jetty at Opunake—a want which has been most severely felt since the collapse of the old one. On visiting your district some time ago, I was very much struck with the natural advantages you possess as to the situation of the town and harbour. The bay, which is a deep one, is remarkably well sheltered from the worst winds, with a channel deep enough to give secure anchorage to the largest vessel afloat. After all is said and done, it is the only harbour between Wellington and the Manukau giving direct communication to either Sydney or Melbourne without any danger of sunken rocks, and the chances of a fair-weather trip across in less time than it takes from either Wellington or Auckland. Taking that, and considering the vast extent of country which will be served from Opunake (as a centre), should be a sufficient reason for the Government taking the matter of a wharf into their favourable consideration, and the people backing them up with all their power, for without doubt it is a colonial question, and a very urgent one. I believe that you already have a good boating service, a good road to the site of the wharf, a large store at the foot of the jetty—in fact, every convenience (barring the wharf) for carrying on a large trade. Opunake has for some years been kept in the background through selfish motives from outside, but the time has come when, in spite of all disadvantages heaped upon it, Opunake is making a name for itself, which will be greatly accelerated by possessing a paper of its own, owned by the settlers, and printed on the spot, which is a wonderful help, as seen in the persistent and successful advocacy of the jetty question and others concerning the interest of the district at large. Evidently your sign-manuel is nil desperandum, and there I am one with you, and in saying so I wish you success. I feel sure that your interests are safe in the hands of your member, Mr .McGuire, especially on the question of the jetty, as being a frequent visitor to Opunake he will thoroughly understand the wants of your district, and especially the great importance of the jetty.—l am, &0., Pro Bono Publico. Waitara, Ist August, 1894.