AN OFFICIAL REPORT

Hokitika Guardian, 28 March 1925, Page 2

AN OFFICIAL REPORT

OKARITO HARBOUR DEPUTATIONS

VISIT OF MINISTER OF MARINE

„ The Minister of Marine (Hon G. J. Anderson) visited Okarito on Wednesday, for the purpose of discussing with the settlers on tho spot, the question of improvements to the harbour. At the outset, the Minister said that he had carefully read the voluminous correspondence on the matter in the possession of the Department, including engineering reports, and suggested that formal speeches he dispensed with. This was adopted, and a general discussion then took place.

During the discussion, the Minister made it clear that the engineer’s estimates oTfrom £30,00!) to £60,000 as the cost of making a harvour at Okarito need not he considered, as such sums would not lie provided. Good roads had been made by tlie Government to serve the district, and there was not sufficient produce to warrant both an expensive liarlioiir and costly roads. If a smaller harbour scheme were considered suitable and practicable by the engineers and the settlers in the district to he served would agree to Ik? rated in order to provide interest and sinking fund, then he would take the matter into consideration.

The following is an official report which was read to the deputation at the termination of the interview ,and which the settlors acknowledged, accurately set out the outcome of the interview :

The settlers of Okarito suggest that a wall about 21 chains in length he erected from about 5 chains from the existing wharf, and opposite to the north branch of the Okarito river, so as to divert the full force of the stream straight out to sea from the wharf. The residents also suggest that a rating area, extending from Cook’s river in the south to Little Waitgamii river in the north, should he deviated, so as to provide interest and sinking fund on the capital involved in the erection of such a wall. Further, that wharfage on timber of not less than Is per 100 super, feet l>c imposed on all timber shipped from the port, and he used towards maintaining the harbour and paying interest and sinking fund on the capital outlay; also that butter, flax, and other goods (both inwards and outwards) be charged Is a, ton, and provision made for wharfage on stock of all kinds shipped lo and from Okarito. The Minister promised to discuss with Mr Furkert (Marine Engineer) tile question of providing a wall 21 chains in length, and if lie considers an improvement can lie made for a sum less than £IO,OOO, he will take it to Cabinet and discuss it with his colleagues there. The .Minister said that the rate on the rateable area from Cooks river to Little Wanganui would have to he paid, even if any engineering scheme carried out was a. failure, but if it proved a success and the wharfages collected covered interest and sinking fund charges, then the rate would remain in abeyance. When returning from Wailio on Friday. representatives of the NY at.-iron Farmers Union met Mr Anderson at Miitainui. The chairman said that the Union had not decided on any definite policy in regard to the question of the provision of a harbour at Okarito. hub the matter was to he discussed at the next meeting. He said that NYataroa was being well served by road from Ross, and tho desire of tlie settlers generally was to have the road further improved, and additional bridges erected. The present rate on goods from NYataroa to Ross was £2 17s per ton, and on the return journey £3 Ills. NYlien trading with Okarito it was stated that the rate from NVataroa to that port was £2 10s per toil, and £2 5s steamer freight to Hokitika: in addition two wharfages had to he paid. It was an unsatisfactory and extravagant system, and had to I>e discontinued.

Replying, the Minister said that it tho district was divided on the necessity of the harbour there would he little chance of its being undertaken. It was a case of no rate ,uo harbour. There would he no attempt to set up a rating district until a poll was taken on the question. It will be in the settlers hands as to whether there was a rate or not. But he had first to consult the Marine Engineer before any step was taken.