THE BULLER COAL TRADE.

Otago Witness, Issue 1148, 29 November 1873, Page 21

THE BULLER COAL TRADE.

{Westport Times, Oct. 31.)

The coal trade of this port, about which so much has been said and projected, is at last approaching very closely a definite form and issue. The Comerang may be expected here within a few clays, and, all things favouring, may go away coal laden. An application has been made by the Buller Coal Company for a wharf site, and will probably be followed by others. Another company is also making quiet but steady progress, and may even yet be the first to do actual business. The promoters of the North Ngakawhau Coal Company having so far made satisfactory arrangements forworkingthecoal seams on the north bank of the Ngakawhau, have applied for a wharf site there, and also for another site as a coal depot at the South Spit, Buller river, where they purpose stormy coal for trading purposes. To bring coal thither they have arranged for chartering for twelve months the liglit draught twin-screw steamer now being built in Hokitika, and which in about faro months' time will be in running trim. This steamer, which will carry 40 tons under hatches, at 4ft. 6in. draught, or 20 tons on an even keel at 3ft. 6in., is being built expressly for working shallow bars like that of the Ngakawhau Inlet, and will thus be enabled, even when the entrance there is in its worst state, to bring out at least half cargoes, and under ordinary circumstances full freights. The steamer will work in the coal trade chietiy between this port and Hokitika, performing such local work as may offer. In connection with this there is one branch of service in which, a boat of the description referred to could "be made of infinite service to this port. We refer, of course, to the tendering of the Melbourne boats passing idong the coast. The disadvantages under which Westport suffers by reason of the transhipment of Melbourne goods at Nelson or Greymouth, the consequent increase of risks, and also freight charges, are all so well known, to even the humblest consumer of imported goods, that reference thereto is scarcely necessary as arguments in favour of the steamers being tendered iv the Buller roadstead. Nor need reference be made to the lack of success attending previous efforts to establish a local steam tender service. The chance now occurs of negotiating with Messrs M'Meckan, Blackwood, and Co., upon a hotter basis than has hitherto existed. Westport merchants will soon be in a position to state that they have a boat fitted for the work, and constantly ready to not only receive goods, passengers, and mails for this port, but to also put on boai'd the ocean steamers such coal as may be required. To this end a little earnest co-operation among the commercial men of Westport would be well directed, and should result in accomplishing the desired result. We have the best authority for stating that the boat has been chartered, and that vitlun two months she will be in the Buller river.

In noticing the nominations for the Dunedin Cup, the Westlancl Register says that it "is likely to bring a larger iield of horses together than has yet met in New Zealand," and adds : — "According to present prospects the value of the stake is estimated at from £650 to £500. A few years ago Dunedin could scarcely get up a decent meeting, and it now clearly proves that by putting the right men in the right place, every community, as in Dunedin, can from among themselves ensure a sporting success. "

Akaroahas for some years past been in high favour with Dunedin residents as a place at which to spend a portion of the summer. Its lovely climate, beautiful scenery, good bathing, boating, and fishing, and readiness of access by means of the Harbour Company's steamers, have combined indeed to make it increase yearly in favour as a place of summer resort. The consequence is that there has arisen an increased demand for accommodation for visitors, and to meet this we learn that a fine family hotel is now being erected by Mr H. "Wagstaff. The hotel is situated in pleasant grounds, including a croquet lawn, archery ground, and orchard, and what Akaroa orchards are like we do not need to say. Mr Wagstaff will als» be happy at any time to show visitors the beauties of the place, while a steam launch plies up the various bays with which the inlet known as Akaroa Harbour is indented. We know scarcely any place so thoroughly enjoyable as Akaroa, and if anyone, wants to pass a brief holiday pleasantly he cannot do better than go there and partake of the ponrforta Mrwagateff is preparing for visitors.