FOXTON HARBOUR

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 134, 2 March 1921, Page 6

FOXTON HARBOUR

BETTER SHIPPING FACILITIES REQUIRED.

From Our Own Correspondent Palmerston North, March 1

Foxton hiw'bour as an inlet and outlet for merchandise and produce to and from the Manawatu was discussed at a meeting of the Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce last night. Tho matter was brought up by the following resolutions which had been forwarded to the chamber by the Manawatu Sub-Provin T cial Executive of the Farmers’ Union:— "That it is desirable to take immediate action in connection with the possibilities of Foxton harbouty seeing that we have to pay much heavier freights on all classes of goods and produce coming to or going from this district from or to Wellington and Wanganui. That since there is not an empowering Bill authorising harbour boards to purchase and use shipping, it is desirable that a meeting of all interested local bodies be convened to consider what steps should be taken to remedy matters. That competition for sea trade is desirable, but astute flhipowners are more apt to combine, and it is possible we will be better served by vessels owned and controlled by our local bodies, if such action can be secured.” The chairman (Mr. H. L. Young) said that it had been stated on good authority that the floating of a company to purchase a suitable boat to run between Wellington and Foxton was assured. Tho chamber had seen the figures prepared by the treasurer to -the Harbour Board, showing what could be saved in freights by having a regular lx>at service. Mr. Oram said that the figures were most satisfactory as showing what could bo done in the way of fostering trade with Palmerston North, and they should use every endeavour to see that the company was successfully floated. - Mr. T. R. Hodder said that the principal objection of merchants to using the port was the delay experienced m the delivery of goods. Mr Crabb contended that if the new boat could establish a satisfactory ser-vice-the delays would be eliminate,d. Mr T E. French averred that the trouble in the past had been caused by the fact that. Foxton was the worst port in the Dominion for breakages, delay, and pilfering. Mr. Aitcheson said that if they expected to make a success of the company and the new boat it would be necessary to inspire the confidence of the merchants in the service. With the small boats previously running between the port and Wellington cargoes often arrived in a battered condition, due to faulty packing in the holds and the heavy seas which were often encountered. Until 1* oxton was capable of taking a decent-sized boat the merchants’ support would not bo ■forthcoming. ... The chairman pointed out that it would be to the interest of the company to see that the goods were properly A motion was carried to the effect that the chamber had always been in sympathy with ' the movement, and would render all assistance in its power.