THE HARBOUR SCHEME.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4573, 8 June 1923, Page 1

THE HARBOUR SCHEME.

WANTED BY THAMES. SPECIAL RATING AREA PROPOSED A deputation comprising His Worship the Mayor of Thames (Mr T. W. Rhodes, M.P.), Messrs H. Lowe, H. Eaddy, J. Allan, F. W. Hetherington, S. Ensor, and W. White, t epresenting the Borough of Thames, waited upon the Thames Harbour Board at its meeting on Tuesday in support of a petition signed by over 600 to create the Borough of Thames a special rating area in connection with the proposed harbour improvement scheme. Mr T. W. Rhodes? M.P., introduced the various speakers and said that the ratepayers of the borough desired the work to commence without delay. They recognised that the recent poll had turned the scheme down, so now asked the Board to go ahead, using the Borough of Thames only as t,he special rating area. Mr Rhodes said that the members of the Board would

recognise that something must be done soon to improve the berthage. The old wharf needed renewing and the berth needed dredging. These, and many other things, were included in the proposed scheme. He then enumerated at length the benefits to the town and the country-if the harbour was improved as suggested, and urged that the Board, go right ahead so that the necessary legislation mould be put through at the coming session. Mr F. W. Hetherington, speaking on behalf of the business interests, said that something definite should be done. Large sums had been paid by the business people through the improvement tax, and more would be necessary. ' All the business firms were behind the petition.

Mr H. Lowe, speaking on behalf of the farming interests, said that on one item alone —phosphates which could be landed 30s a ton cheaper than at Auckland, the farmers supported the petition. He endorsed the remarks of the previous, speakers, and said that farmers might as well walk off unless better shipping facilities were provided.

Mr J. Allen, representing the Engineers’ and Workers’ Union, said that anything of a progressive nature received the support of his union. It would materially benefit workers and the town as a whole. The workers supported the petition. Mr S. Ensor, representing the fishing industry, said that his industry benefited the whole country. At the present time fishermen had to work three or four hours longer than would be required if the port was improved. They would also be able to market their fish sooner with a regular service running. He asked the Board

to help the fishermen to help themselves, Mr T. W. Rhodes, M.P., said that the revenue on the phosphates alone would pay the interest on the loan.. He asked the 4loard to seriously consider,, the petition. In reply to Mr Miller, Mr .Rhodes said that the notice of the Board’s intention,.must be advertised four time in a month before the session opened. An Act would have to be passed to enable a poll to be taken over the borough area as a special rating area., and he thought that 'Parliament would consider the matter favourably. The petition was Frorii the ratepayers in the borough only, but many outside the borough were favourable. Mr D. G. McMillan said that ho noticed in the petition that the wharfage rates would be as at present. He pointed out that the present rate of 7s was very much higher than at Auckland, Is 10%d. Mr Coulter said he was pleased to have met the deputation. The Board would consider the matter thoroughly.. The deputation thanked the Board for the attentive hearing and withdrew. Mr A. Bruce moved that consideration of the petition should be postponed till the next ordinary meeting of the Board. There were many matters such as the one brought up by Mr McMillan that, needed much careful discussion. Mr Wagstaff said the Board should do all it could to help the people of Thames. He would like to hear more, as he was only a new member of the Board. Mr Miller said he thought it would be unwise to discuss the petition that as several members had not read it. He suggested that a special meeting be held in a fortnight’s time. Mr Bruce withdrew his motion in favour of Mr Miller’s suggestion. Mr Wagstaff supported the suggestion. It was decided to hold a special meeting at 1.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 19th.