WANGANUI'S AMBITION

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1048, 10 February 1911, Page 2

WANGANUI'S AMBITION

o . TO RECEIVE HOME STEAMERS. (By Telesraph.—Special Correspondent.) Wanganui, February 9. The most important matter discussed by the Harbour Board last night was the proposal for a further extension of the harbour works at Castlccliff. The engineer (Mr. C. Howorth), submitted plans, providing for raising the levels of tho present moles, also for- long extensions seaward and providing "wave.basins" to ensure smooth water inside the entrance at all times. Mr. Howorth has conferred with the Marine Department, which has given its formal approval of tho work, which will no doubt be officially confirmed when application for the same is made. Tho board decided that the engineer should complete his plans and draw up a full scheme for the board's consideration before forwarding to ■Wellington. ..'■••.• What tho board's future policy may be was forecasted at a social, . commercial, and business gathering held yesterday- afternoon to celebrate the second birthday of tho Patca Shipping Gomnany in the Wanganui trade. Mr. J. ~8. Murray, chairman of the Harbour Board, was unavoidably absent, and the toast of that body was replied to by Mr. A.. G. Bignell, one of the leading members.'• Referring to the need of further extension of the harbour works, he said that the future of Wanganui depended absolutely on the harbour, and ho trusted the good work now being, done would be continued. The present' board• would retire in April, but ho wad hopeful that the people of Wanganui would have sufficient confidence in tho members to're-elect them: None of them was anxious to be re-elected for the honour and glory of the position, but they wero anxious .' to bo ~re-elected to carry to a conclusion the policy which had been initiated—a policy which had already shown such good results and gave hope of such a splendid future. Their work, so far, was practically only, a beginning, and it remained • with the rate-, payers to say whether it should be carried to a conclusion. The board had sufficient funds to permit of the work being carried on for a few months longer, and then came the question as to whether the town and district would sanction the pledging of their securities for an order to raise a loan. At the present time the port could accommodate ordinary coastal traffic, but the question then came what to aim at nest. Were they to cease at the present juncture and be satisfied with Che present coastal trade, or.were.they"to go the "whole hog" and lay, out to make the port accommodite ocean-going boats? He was quite satisfied that it ! would be a mistake to stand still,, was sure Wanganui would decide for progress. He was satisfied, too, that the iwrt coul,d be made to accommodate the Homo boats. The expenditure might be heavy, but the general progress of the town and: the rapid development which was taking place in tho country warranted them taking the responsibility of carrying a ■ harbour scheme which would : make a ,-first-class port, no felt certain this could •be ac-, complished without tbe-Taising of any rate, although it would be necessary to. get an Empowering Bill through Parlia-. ment, giving the board authority- to strike a rate, if necessary, as security for . a loan. If the larger scheme of policy'was endorsed, he was r.ot sure that it was going to bo a good thing for the Patea Shipping Company and other coastal boat companies, because' with an, improved harbour and the advent i. of direct boats tho coastal trade must necessarily diminish, but it would mean that Wanganui people would send out their produce and import their goods better and at cheaper rates than at present. However,' a few months v more would .decide the : point,'.'and 'if.tho.ratepayers'returned the old members it the .hoard be an indication of- tKeirv endorsement" 6f the board's policy. He hored they would,-and then he felt he would see"dcep sea ships trading,.to Wanganui. - '•''■.