WAITARA.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16462, 14 June 1919, Page 9

WAITARA.

FEOSi OTTE OWN tJOREESPONDENTv Juno 13.—Preferring tn the question of a light railway between Mokau and AVaitara., at a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce on November 10, 1011, tins same subject was discussed, Mr. llaveney, representing the Urenui Progressive. League, bringing the matter lonvard for discussion. It was held, by the speaker that a light, raihvay from AVaitara could be laid quite easily, and that even if there were no direct profit for a- few years the development of the district would fully compensate for the, expense. The Urenui mol or omnibus has done something towards bringing that prosperous district into closer touch with the towns, but a light railway to the mines at Mokau will probably be a tiling of the not very distant future. I have noticed in the advocacy by the Herald of the completed breakwater scheme that little or nothing is written on the subject of immigrants. No ono with an average vision can, or should fail to see that with the breakwater a. lirst port of call for oceangoing hoars an immense impetus will be, given to trade due to the reduced freight charges. Hut equally important is the question of an increase in the population due to immigration. At present we get here only a few “strays” of those who come to New Zealand to settle and make their homes with us. If (or rather, when) New Plymouth becomes a regular port of call for Home boats carrying passengers, it can safely be assumed that a proportion will 'disembark and settle here. Some of them, perhaps, wo could well do without; but others would ho desirable Taranaki citizens. Now Plyi mouth is certainly doing all the fighting for tlmir harbour, but the whole district will assuredly greatly benefit. There was at one time a- strong feeling between AVaitara. and New Plymouth not of a friendly nature, and not confined to one town; but 1. feel sure that the broader-minded people here realise that the harbour problem is solved and wish it every success, especially as this district does not have to find any of the money, and so long as Now Plymouth does not east its eyes too covetously on our own little bit of shipping. Both towns can “do their bit/’ and both do well. It is to be hoped that the new AVaitara Hayhour Board will make a move now in the direction of making the "approach to the river safe for coastal boats. When that is done boats will come hero regularly and not before. New Plymouth might as unreasonably have said. “Wait till the Home boats come here then we will make the harbour.” So it is with AVaitara. Make the river accessible at any tide, then we shall not have to plead in vain for coastal boats to make regular sailings to this port. As far as local trade is concerned, the AAhiitara harbour can “knock spots" off the breakwater, for the reason that it misses the iniquitous railway charges; and immensely more, trade would be done at this port it it were not for the fact that the sand on the bar makes a regular sailing impossible for the larger craft excepting at spring tides, and not always then. Make the bar safe, then if one line of boats for its own reasons will not eoino to the wharf, others will. AVith the mouth of the river in its present variable state next to nothing can he done in the direction of development. The Borough Council meeting held on AA’ednesday night was a very different affair from which we have been used to for some years past. The business was disposed of promptly and efficiently, ami the Mayor will now feel the advantage of having a strong council at his hack. For some years the Mayoral offico has been one of continuous hard work. Mr. Morgan has had scarcely a minute to himself what with the numerous meetings of which ho was chairman by right of his office, and the social and other functions at which he was expected to he present. Boalising this the now council has relieved him of a good deal of the hard committee work connected with flic borough. The Mayor will still have a lot of work to do. but he will have the satisfaction of feeling that he is backed by a particularly strong body of councillors, relieving him of a great weight of responsibility.