speakers were so greatly interested, entirely repudiate the alleged benefits of a harbour to their class. Whatever might be said about saving life from shipwreck, would have, of course, a shadow of truth in it; but, (as seems to be admitted by some of these advocates) other places near us are more favourably situated than we are for this purpose. Why then, if charity be a real plea, and not a mock one, should not one of those better sites for a harbour of refuge be left for Government to choose if it choose any at all? Why should we try to scheme such refuge here merely to answer our commercial ends? Let us keep our visitors and maintain our position as a watering place, and leave the advantages of a port to those sites better adapted by nature for the purpose. Besides, that several of the Council have given in their approval of a pier similar to one recently built at Southport, and which it is proposed to construct without cost to the town. Are we to have both schemes at once; or are our local improvers getting into a muddle? We have spoken our mind freely because we feel as strongly interested in the attractiveness and prosperity of Hastings as anybody. We do not differ gladly from those gentlemen who have so warmly taken up the project which we cannot yet see reason to approve. We should be better pleased to agree with them if we could; but, as we cannot, we have no intention of being hindered from expressing plainly all that we think about our local elements of prosperity. Meetings do not always speak the sentiments of the borough; and if they did, we should still aim at forming an independent opinion, and be resolved to express it. It is but fair to Capt. Sleigh and just to ourselves that we are not for a moment objecting to his plan of forming breakwaters; but to the desirableness of adapting any plan to Hastings until a stronger case has been made out in proof of the assertion that a harbour is required here. All change is not progression nor every alteration an improvement.”
Mr. Womersley on the proposed Harbour. In the same issue of the News , Mr. C. J. Womersley wrote thus: “Sir, - As time at the public meeting did not admit of anything being said con after the pros had had proper opportunity of putting their case, and as I am one of those who think there is something to be said against – albeit that idea seemed to be ignored at the meeting – will you permit me to attempt it in your paper? I would proceed by way of reply, but really I heard no argument in favour of the project as applicable to these towns. There was some claptrap about the poor fishermen and some about shipwrecked sailors, but it was not shewn that a harbour -
