PUBLIC MEETING.

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

PUBLIC MEETING.

A public meeting was held at the Academy of Music last night, convened by the Mayor in response to a requisition of residents, to consider the question of providing better accommodation for ship* ping at the Fort of Thames. There was a large attendance, more than we have seen at any public meeting for along time, and every interest on the Thames was fairly represented. On the motion of Mr. McCullougb, His Worship the Mayor was called upon to preside. In introducing the business of the meeting His Worship read the ad* vertisement calling the meeting. Ue said tie matter they had met to consider was a most important one. It wa« an unquestionable fact that wharf accommodation and provision to ensure the safety of shipping visiting the port were absolutely necessary. The late* storm had proved that to be a fact, and had given them a lesson which would, not soon be forgotten. Their wharves were but landing stages, of a very indifferent character. The Thames people had been divided as to the locality at which wharves or harbor works should be con* structed, but he hoped that there would be no local jealousies to interfere with the business of that meeting. He thought the Government should be asked to do something in the matter, instead of leaving everything to private enterprise. He. claimed for the speakers who would ad* dress the meeting a patient hearing. Mr. W. Eowe did not think it required much talking to introduce a resolution he had to propose. They all admitted the necessity for providing better harbor accommodation for the port. They heard that large sums of money were being spent in the South on harbor works. In Dunedin and Oamaru works were being undertaken which would cost hundreds of thousands, and the Thames port, which supplied a larger population than that of Oamaru, had nothing done fjt it. There had been less money spent on the Thames than any other port in New Zealand. He did not think that meeting was called upon to indicate the direction which harbor improvement should take. It was desirable to affirm that some woiks should be undertaken, and in supporting that principle he hoped local jea'ousies would be sunk. They had long trusted to private enterprise for wharf accommodation, but the time was now come when some steps should be taken to obtain the construction of works of a permanent character. Private enterprise was about tired out. The constant expenditure of money in repairs had been enough to dishearten those who had embarked money on wharves. The Thames had long suffered from this want of proper accommodation, and although masters of vessels were occasionally tempted by the high freights offered to pome here, their first visit was enough, for the delays they suffered in discharging more than counterbalanced the high freights. Alter referring to some other matters, and enlarging ou the disadvantages under which

residents and others labored for lack of the necessary accommodation for shipping at this point, Mr* Bowe moved the Following resolution :— That in the opinion of this meeting to meet the large and increasing traffic and shipping trade of the Thames Port it is absolutely necessary to obtain better harbor accommodation than we possess at present. Captain Souter seconded tbe proposition. He said he bad visited Dunedin thirteen years ago, when it had little better accommodation than that at the Thames. Now they were talking of spending something like a quarter of a million of money on harbor improvements. He had also seen the West Coast; At Hofcitika wharves had been constructed by the Provincial Government of Canterbury. At the Grey on one side of the river was a wharf built by the Canterbury Government, and on the other side a wharf built by the Nelson. Government, to preserve the trade. He did not think it was necessary to say much after Mr. Bowe, but he could say that people were afraid to bring vessvls here owing to the difficulty of landing cargo; Mr. O'JCeeffe supported the" resolution, He said that two years ago some valuable information had been obtained respecting harbor accommodation for the Thames. Hehad some information in his possession and would be happy to give it. _He believed a committee should bo appointed to decide upon the site for harbor works. Mr. Bowe did not approve of going into the question so far as to discuss the particular locality for the harbor works. He thought that should be left to more competent authority. The Mayor then put the proposition to the meeiing, which was carried unanimously. £ i Mr. Benshaw said there could be no difference of opinion as to the leeessity for immediate attention to therequirements of tho port. There were many who had made the Thames their home, and expected to remain for many years. They wished to have something done "towards improving the harbor and affording additional accommodation for shipping If the Municipal Council had the foreshore as an endowment they would be in a position to do something, but they had not, and could not raise money, therefore they could not speed it. He believed the best course would be to appoint a committee, comprising gentlemen of different opinions as to the best place for harbor works, such committee to communicate with the Superinendent. He would therefore move—

That a committee be appointed to wait upon His Honor the Superintendent to arrange measures to effect this object: such committee to consist of His Worship the Mayor, Captain Butt, Messrs Rowe, S outer, Ehrenfried, Ejlgour and Goldsmith, with power to add'to their number.

Dr Kilgour reconded the proposition, which on being put to the .meeting was carried, and avote of thanks to the Mayor for presiding closed the proceedings.