PORT OF FOXTON

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 287, 30 August 1919, Page 10

PORT OF FOXTON

REVISION OP PILOTAGE CHARGES. 'By Telegraph—Special Correspondent. Palmerston North, August 29. At a meeting of the Foxton Harbour Board, tho report of the local committee stated that the purchase of the wharf, had been completed so far as paying over the sum of JsSOOO to the Railway Department was concerned. Arrangements had been made with tho Railway Department to handle all inward cargo, and with Messrs. Levin and Co. to carry nil outward -cargo, pending tho erection of the board's shed. So far, the only hope of a dredgo appeared to be by hiring one to deal with ehoalings in the river. Tho quotation for the purchase of a new dredgo delivered from lloiuo was about JJ22,000. It was proposed to revise the pilotage and river lighting charge's, as the charges are quite inadequate to cover tho cost under new conditions. Tho new company's, s.s. Kennedy made her first trip this week, and it was hoped that regular trips could be made. With other boats also running, tho trudo of the port would gradually work un to, and exceed, the trade prior to the war.. The chairman suggested that pilotage charges be 3d. per ton inwards, and a similar amount outward®, according to* the tonnage of the vessel?. ' He stated that if shipping increased they cnuld lower tho oharges. He pointed out that tho present pilotage charges were lid. per ton each way, and were verv low compared with those at other ports. The matter was referred to the local' committee with power to act. Plans submitted by Mr. R. Jackell for a goods shed were accepted, and it was decided that when they are approved by the Marine Department tenders lie invited for the work, with tho rijht to accent a tender for one or two sections or for the whole work.