British Whig (Kingston, ON), March 11, 1884

p.1

HARBORS ON LAKE ERIE.

The Editor, British Whig.

Sir, - There has been considerable agitation lately respecting a harbour of refuge on the north shore of Lake Erie, but the matter does not receive the consideration which it demands either from the general public or the Government. People are so apt to loose sight of such matters, except when some accident occurs and a number of lives are lost. Then they think of it, but they soon sink back into a state of apathy.

The people of Port Stanley and Port Burwell, both ports on Lake Erie, are stirring themselves, and petitions are being signed asking the Government to come to their aid in the matter. Both petitions have been received in Kingston and have been very generally signed by vesselmen, owners of vessels and persons interested in the shipping on the lakes. The Port Burwell petition was first on hand and latterly that from Port Stanley. The general opinion among mariners at this port is that Port Stanley is the better place of the two, and if the claims of the latter had been first presented the Port Burwell petition would not have had so many signatures. But all agree that something should be done by the Government at once in making a harbour of refuge, as there is not one on the North Shore where a loaded vessel can run for refuge but now have to run from one end of the lake to the other before getting shelter. Without doubt Port Stanley is the best place for such a harbour, it being situated midway and would be most convenient and the cost of construction less than at Port Burwell.

Yours, etc., AN OLD MARINER.

p.2 Serious Matters - City Council - Bill to confirm Bylaw exempting property of M.T. Co. has passed third reading.

p.3 The Yachting Circuit - The Lake Yacht Racing Association will probably be formed. The Toronto Yacht Club have the matter in hand and have called a general meeting for March 29th. Three delegates from each club will be present. Who will Kingston send up?

The First Charter - The schr. Jessie H. Breck has been chartered already to carry ore to Cleveland, and return with a cargo of coal on p.t.

Here & There - Capt. J. Donnelly left for Buffalo last evening to transact business for the Dominion Salvage & Wrecking Co.