TOWN EDITION. Nelson Evening Mail SATURDAY, APRIL 28. 1888

A very pretty state of affairs is brought to light in Mv J. Blackett 's report to the Govern ment on the oondition of the New Plymouth harbor. It becoming known that sand waa accumulating about the 'Breakwater there, Mr Blackett was scot up to maT_e a report, the result being that after making investiga tions he says that to make the harbor " ship [ shape," certain wotks are necessary whioh will require the expenditure of £77,000. It is also suggested that as the maintenance of the harbor is important, exceptional steps should be taken to seoure tbe neoessary amount tequired per year. Tbis is all very well, but is the oolony going to provide money to improve a harbor whidh is praotioally of very little nse, ancl against the construction of whioh in tbe first iosta*ce there waa a great outcry? We are asked to spend a 000 £77,000 for the benefit of the Taranaki people, and the question is where is the money to oome from ?,. Not out ef the coffers of the oolony it is quite certain. We do not imagine for a moment that the Govern ment will think of asking the colony to put th.ir handa in their pocket ani eponi their money on the Tf.ranaki breakwater so as to enable the people tbere to get a big s'eamer aloigslie ooons'onally to ship their butter to Aas. .alia. If an a 'tempt is mado in the House this coming session to. get a vote to this effeot ib will be mons'roua ; but we feel confident the members bave had about enough of this Bre\kwater And that they will tefu.e emphatically to contribute to wha. i-. to all intents and purpes'B useless ■xptndiure. The breakwater was con s'rnctfd nn-W treat opposition, thess who shonl.l know a.serting that it was absurd building enoh a structure o*. a lee shore, as it would only be a matter of time before the sand, &0 , eil*ed i. np. Their prophecy woe correct a* ibis now found ou», bnt we con tend teat if thd New Plymouth people want their port improved they must find the money themselves and not expect tho oolony to do tho work. We shall bs anxious to hear farther particulars on the eargoot. 