THE NEW WHARF.

Western Star, Issue 970, 5 August 1885, Page 2

THE NEW WHARF.

TO THE EDITOR,

Sib, —Since the failure of the R'verton apparent and wa« mad" public, I have waited each issue of your paper exporting to see snme expression of opinion by one or other of the inhabitants of the district regarding the matter, as it is a serious affair to us in many respects. And as pubiic tten by their actions bring injuries on the people, they cannot complain if their actions are criticised rather severely. I don't intend going into the matter thoroughly, but only to start an expression of opinion ; perhaps it only requires starting ; others may have been waiting for the same reason as myself. The jetty deems t« be attracting some notice just now. It has turned out, as all disinterested men predicted, viz., a failure. The spirit in which its promoters entered into the enterprise could result in nothing else, or at least nothing else could be expected of it. Notably one of them who entered into the scheme with a recklessness and pigheaded obstinacy that is truly culpable; he would tolerate no reasoning on the subject, nor woul I he hear of a practical marine engineer's advica being taken before such an undertaking was started, although one member of tho Boar I insisted on it, fearful that bis own particular design would not be carried out. And he was ably supported by one or two who were on the Harbor Board at the time. But now, alas, when they have wrecked the ship they desert it, and leave the crew and passengers to shift for themselves. It makes one wonder if this result was not their'original design. There are those who will vouch for one at least having this object in view. On that I give no opinion j let the public julge for themselves. There seems to be collected in its history a whole muss of blunder,-, which, if not wilful, are at least the result of incapacity During its construction tiiere oecurra.l transactions between contractor, engineer and Harbor Board which, if the public were aware of them, would have raised thelatter up tOTKUtiny and rage. Riverton seems ever destined to progress backwards through the incomoetency or design, or it may be both, of itspublin men. They are only brought to their proper senses ■when too late ; tbey s?nd for a practical marine engineer after the mischief i 9 done. If the Engineer gave his candid opini n he would tell them to demolish the whole affair and build another in a better position and on a more practical plan ; but as that would be too

great an insult to the Harbor Board, bis report and advice will be to make the best of a bad job, which can only bo done by extensivo alterations, costing as much as would build o new jetty. —I am, &c, Citizen.