SEBASTOPOL.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XI, Issue 2935, 17 May 1877, Page 2

SEBASTOPOL.

A great change is coming over Sebastopol. ITeretofore grain for export from districts north of the Sea of AzofF has been brought to ports of that sea ; but the superior advantage offered by Sebastopol, with its magnificent harbour never frozen over, hav§ induced the Russian Government to make it a commercial port. At the close of war in 1850, compensation was given to the owners of property, but no attempt was made to rebuild the town, as there was no intimation given that its future character would bo commercial, and it was generally presumed that it would remain in ruins until circumstances should enable Eussia to restore it in a fortified form. Hence the land was of no value, and seven years ago the population may be said to have consisted of tho dockyard workmen and one division of the 13th Regiment of Foot. But since 1871, when a railway to Lozovo was rapidly improved ; aud from the opening of the railway in January, 1875, and the official announcement in March that the future of Sebastopol was commcicial, its rise has become simply a question of inone}'. Consul-G-eneral Stanley, in his report this ve a r from Odessa, givin^ an account of a recent 1 visir. to the Crimea, states that he was much struck with the active movement displayed at Wcbastopol. lie says: — "Most extensive Custom-houses and warehouses are being built there, and good roads arc bemgmade fco thewharves. Quays a mile in length, faced with concrete, al- ng.sidc which the largest steamers can moor, are completed. The railway is brought along the quay, passing the doors of tlie warehouses, so as to reduce to a minimum the cost of loading. Houses arc sprung up in every direction. It seems evident that Sebastopol is destined to bo the outlet for a large grain growing country. I feel quite convinced that corn can be shipped there considerably chcapor,not only than at Sea of Azoff ports, but than at the present prices at Odessa and Nicolaicff. Both these are further from Constantinople than Sebastopol is, and Sebastopol is nearer than Odessa to Moscow and St. Petersburg by rail." Vice-Consul Harford, reporting from Sebastopol, says :—: — " A handsome railway station has been erected on the site of the old Greek battery, whence trains arrive and depart daily from Moscow, and a branch line runs alonr tlie west side of the bay. The Malakoif, Redan, and Flag Staff Batteiies arc being laid out as boulevards, dedicated to England, Eussia, and France. Soveial large hotels, one of them on the site of Fort Nicholas, afford good accomodalion, but the charges are hi»h." The population was estimated a I 20,000 in the Spring of 1870. The Vice-Council, reporting aL that period, describes the garrison as consisting of hvodevisions or' tho 13th 'Regiment and a biigade of artillery, tlie other twodevisions being quartered at Sympheropal, and a Tartar squadron (3'JO strength) raided in 1874 being at Unkchisseri, and he observes that the horses arc Caucasian, and though small arc very hardy, and so easily trained that three months after tlie organisation of the regiment every horse lays down at ihe sound of trumpet. He adds that the drill both of this corps and the infantry is admirable. He says that the climate of the Crimea is too dry for cereals, and tho principal productions are salt nud wine. The wines como from the south coast ; most excellent clarets and sauterncs arc sold at ScbaslopoHrom OJ. to 3s. per bottle, and he is of opinion that the wine would sell well in England. He sees no reason why the exteiifivc steepes of the north-west coast shou'rl not be utilized for sheep farming, and a wool trade established. He conies to the conclusion thac though want of capital and the influence of other ports may retard the pi ogress of Scbastopo!, its ultimate commercial success is insurer! by i (c geographical position, its harbour, and its healthy climate.