Future of Coal Trade.

The Westport coal grows continually in favor in the Colonial markets. There is no coal equal to it in these Colonies, and the demand should continue to increase as the facilities of the port are improved. In view of the great coal trade that may be expected to arise if it is properly encouraged, I think that the staiths and wharves on the river bank are to be considered as a temporary make shift, and the only suitable accommodation for a coal trade such as is anticipated, will be found in the shipping basin of which I submitted a plan and report to the Board on the 7th July, 1885. This has in is approved by Sir John Coode in his letter to the Agent-General of 31th October, 1890.

The Board has at present a revenue nearly sufficient to cover the interest on the cost of the works already constructed together with the additional cost of this basin, and the export from the basin would greatly increase the Board's revenue.

The financial position of the Board at present may be classed among the soundest and most prosperous in New Zealand, and there does not appear any reason why it should not continue in, and even greatly improve, its present prosperous position.

I am glad to have this opportunity of expressing my thanks for the obliging kindness and assistance given me by your Secretary, Mr Charles N. Greenland; the Engineer, Mr J. A. Wilson; and the Inspector of Works, Mr J. Barrowman, who have devoted much of their valuable time to furnishing me with all the information I required.

I attach a statement of income and expenditure from the commencement of the work to this date, prepared for me by your Secretary.