Queenslander (Brisbane, Qld. : 1866 - 1939), Saturday 3 March 1894, page 389


Southport Foreshore.

A deputation from the Southport Divisional Board was introduced to the Chief Secretary on the 23rd February by Mr. Plunkett, M.L.A., with reference to the condition of the

foreshore at Southport. It was explained that about £3000 would be required to erect a cement or stone sea-wall, and that unless something was done very shortly in this direction the encroachments of the sea would cause great damage to roads and depreciate property. Any idea of constructing a sea-wall of wood had been given up. In reply to a question as to how the board proposed to raise money to redeem a loan of that kind, Mr. Kirk stated that extra rates would be imposed. Mr. Nelson did not think extra rates could be imposed in times like the present, taxation being already as heavy as the people could bear. It was stated that the residents were themselves in favour of a special rate if the Government were disposed to advanoe the money to carry out the necessary works; and pointed out as an inducement why the loan should be granted that Mr. Kirk, who was a well-known engineer, was prepared to give his services to the board, and that this would mean a considerable saving. Mr. Plunkett stated that things were in a miserable state, and unless, something were done without delay property would greatly depreciate in value, and the railway line would even be in danger. Mr. Nelson said there was no money available for loans to local bodies, and he could not do anything in the meantime. He would, however, confer with Mr. Tozer on hia return to see if anything could be done in the matter of placing a loan on the next Estimates.

On Saturday morning at the offices of the North Queensland Insurance Company in Bridge-street, Sydney, a pleasing ceremony took place, when Mr. Danvers, the manager, presented Captain Sprotrle, of the steamer Bgmont, with a very handsome gold watch and chain on behalf of the underwriters^! that vessel. It will be remembered that Captain Sproule brought his vessel into port after she had sprang a bad leak on the ran up from Wollongong, and was making water faster than the pomps could throw it out. On arrival in harbour the water in the vessel was nearly Bin. over the stokehole plates. By the action of Oaptain Sproole, in standing by his vessel and bringing her into port in a virtually sinking condition, the underwriters were saved a heavy loss, as she waa insured for £4250. This action of the underwriters in recognising pluck should prove an inducement to other masters to stand by their ahios in times of danger.