THAMES HARBOUR SCHEME.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4464, 8 September 1922, Page 1

THAMES HARBOUR SCHEME.

OBJECTIONS AT TURUA. “FEEDING THE THAMES." The Thames Harbour Scheme w.as discussed by the Turua Town Board at its meeting on Wednesday. The discussion was the outcome of a letter from the secretary of the Local]; Bills Committee, Wellington, advising that the Thames Harbour Bill would be considered by the committee on Thursday, September 14, when the committee would receive evidence for and against the provisions of the Bill.

Mr C. Ansford said the Town Board could not send a deputation as it. did not have the funds.

The clerk (Mr J. E. Green): There’s quite a lot for and against and they are giving this opportunity to hear evidence.

Mr C. Scott suggested joining forces with some other body. It was stated that the Hauraki Plains County Council was sending a representative. Mr Ansford: As far as the tow a board is concerned, we are against itThe chairman. (Mr J. A. Bennett) : We have now direct communication with Auckland. We have aIU we wan: now.

The clerk suggested passing a resolution embodying the objections and asking the support of other local bodies.

The chairman said Mprrinsville was against it and was sending a deputation.

The chairman further s.aid it was a big thing, and was going to put the farmers off their farms.

Mr Ansford : It’s a thing we don t want.. We have al,l the service we require for a good many years. We’re feeding the Thames now, and it will be a beggar if we have to feed them a. bit more.

The chairman said he would prefer ■sending a man down from there. The chairman said the Morrinsville Borough had asked for co-operation.

A Voice : We will; give them all the co-operation they want.

Mr Ansford: It’s the most important thing brought before us. Mr Mules : Morrinsville’s objections would be totally different to ours. The Chairman : It’s a question of blocking up this river, which is the biggest asset to the Plains. They are frightened the vessels will; load up here and go past Thames. The Clerk : This evidence is going to be most important, as it is the Local Bills committee whiqh- .wftl hear it,

The Chairman : If we are not represented they will take !'■ that we are in favour of the scheme. The 'Board, however, could not stand the expense, which would have t» be borne by two or three private people.

Mn Ansford : I would not mind giving something towards a man’s expenses to go to Wellington, Mr D. G. McMillan might possibly visit Wellington if requested. Mr Mules asked whether a petition signed by the residents would do any good.

The chairman said there would not be time. The clerk was authorised to communicate with the Morrinsville town clerk and report to a meeting oft a special committee, to meet the next evening to fully consider and frame objections to the Thames Harbour Scheme.

Mr Ansford suggested that the clerk inform Morrinsville that the Board had decided objections, but had not the money to send a representative to Wellington to voice those views.