The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. THURSDAY JUNE 4, 1874.

Thames Star, Volume III, Issue 1691, 4 June 1874, Page 2

The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. THURSDAY JUNE 4, 1874.

'Id business of the meeting held list aight to consider the question of providing better accommodation for shipping at the Port of Thames Sras soon got over. Two l resolutions were adopted—one affirming the necessity for making better harbor a c-

oommodation; the other forming a committee to waitonthe Superintendent to further the object of the meeting as set forth in the first resolution.' There was a good attendance of the Thames public at the meeting. The mining, mercantile, shipping and other interests were well repre•eated; and it was pleasing to remark

the absence of any discordant element.

Whatever opinions the gentlemen present may hare entertained as to the particular locality at, which harbor works ■hould be constructed, they were careful to conceal them. Hie general principle of the absolute necessity for something being done was cordially and unanimously affirmed, and the moot point as to whether the much desired work shall be at Tararu, Grahamstown, Shortland, Kopu or elsewhere was ignored— and we think wisely.; liooking at the: matter, as; a public one— of interest even outfide ; the district of Thames—it is obvious that" two considerations should be kept in vie^ Firstly, supplying^ present requirements as soon as possible; : «nd» secondly, in view the desirabihty of making any immediate expenditure that Way be undertaken a part of the general plan of permanent works. ' We have heard tbat a plan has already, been sketched out for laving before the Committee, to embrace the immediate construction of a strong wharf at Tararu, at-a level four feet above the planking of the old wharf; the connection of Tararu with Shortland wharf by the extension of the tramway, with a view to its ultimate and necessary extension to Kopu and •long the banks of the Thames River. Further, on the recommendation of the highest engineering authority in the Colony, a harbor to be built or made at Kopu, to be connected with the business centres by means of tramways. We feel disposed to concur with the first por.tion of the plan as we have heard it explained, providing that it be carried out :in its entirety. It can make little difference to the Borough of Thames whether cargo and passengers are conveyed a mile by train either one way or the other; and as Tararu offers the best facilities for reaching deep water at the smallest cost, it will be a strong argument in favor of Tararu being the locality at which any immediate work should be undertaken. There is another plan, however, namely to extend th« present goods wharf to deep water, and make it a passenger wharf as well as a landing place for goods. The goods wharf is substantially built, and it is the opinion of 'many that it could be extended at a less cost than a wharf could be built at Tararu of the character required. Either work would cost a large sum of money, and the direction the expenditure should take must depend upon the decision of the Government as to what will be most ad-

fantageous"to'the district: Weasacommu-

nity have now arrived at that point when' , all public questions should be entertained in a broad light: the good of the Borough, should be kept in view, and the general welfare when discussing such a question as harbor accommodation. Tararu then,! it may be assumed, will be the locality for wharf accommodation to meet present requirements, - and the committee will probably ask the Superintendent to undertake the work at once: With regard to the making of a permanent harbor for the Thames, thercwiU be a difference of opinion. Should th-3 upper Thames be opened to Eurdrean enterprise and its resources realise £011 ial expectations the construction of a harbor at Kopu would

be a necessity. But this is so much, a matter for the future that its discussion may be postponed^ What is nqw required is a work that will afford some measure of security to shipping, and supply tbe deplorable tract of facilities in the way of passenger traffic and trade as it exists—some accommodation that will foster and encourage the trade of the port and lead to its expansion. It is therefore to be hoped that the committee will keep in view the immediate requirements of the district; the means for making the Thames tbe important port it is destined to be will follow—its natural advantages being inferior to none in the colony, while tbe inexhaustible resources of the district warrant the belief that the gallant Captain Cook's prophetic words will one day be realised. .

We learn that Mr Kennedy on his departure from the Thames donated the sum of £ 5 to the Miners' Accident Belief Fund. ;

The steamer ".Wellington arrived in the Jianiikau 'at half-past eleven o'clock this morning. Her mail is net likely to reach the Thames until to-morrow evening.

Thb meeting of the "Excellent Lodge Abbotsford Boyal Arcb Chapter, 8.C., will be held this evening in the Freemasons Hall, Owen-street, at which brethren already advanced and received are ; invited to be present. ' Brethren of the Mark lodge required for advancement -will receive circulars.

At the adjourned debate in th« Provincial Council the following motion by Mr. Bagnall was agreed to :—" That in the opinion of this Council it is desirable to open up a road between the Thames and Waikoto, via Ohirio muri, «nd that a respectful address be presented to his Honor, asking him to place on the additional estimates a sum of money sufficient to carry out this work."

Theme wsi a rumor in town to-day that a man had poisoned himself. It would seem that a settler from the Miranda side had been drinking much lately. His wife came over to find him, and she discovered that he ha I taken a large dose of laudanum. . The police were communicated with, but neither their nor the undertaker's services} are required at prwtnt.

We would remind our readers of the soiree dansante to take place at the Academy of Music this evening in aid of.the Convent Schools. Tea and other refreshments will be served from seven til nine o'clock, when dancing Trill succeed the " cup that cheers." The -weather promiies to be fine; the preparations made and expectations excited augur well for a successful effort in raiting money, and an evening's amusement for those who may be present. " The Grahamstown watermen have with commendable sel'-abnegation effected such repairs to Curtis' Wharf that passengers can now land from the steamers,' without having to climb perpendicular ladders. The repairs are not Tory substantial, but until something better is done, the convenience afforded-will be duly appreciated. The repairs consist of a foot-bridge over the gaps made by vessels going through during the gale. A MEETIN& of the residents of Rollestonstreet was held at the Glotw Hotel last night to consider what measures should be adopted to hare the footpath made. Mr. J. M. Cowell occupied the chain A committee, to consist of Messrs Cowell, Mcllhone and Plant was appointed to collect subscriptions from the inhabitants. A sum of £6 5s was subscribed by those present at the meeting. The estimated cost of the work is £130 ; of which the inhabitants are to contribute onehalf and the Borough Council the other half.