BETTER HARBOUR

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 32301, 18 August 1943, Page 6

BETTER HARBOUR

COROMANDEL FACILITIES CHAIRMAN’S SUGGESTION COUNTY COUNCIL DISCUSSION A proposal to provide all-tide harbour facilities at Coromandel with additional access roads for settlers was mooted at the August meeting of the Coromandel County Council. The chairman, Mr C. C. Rae, introduced the subject of all-tide harbour facilities at Coromandel, and stated the time was long overdue when something should be done. A special report on the matter had been drawn up by the engineer and this was read.

Considerable discussion ensued and councillors generally, while recognising the urgent need of all-tide harbour facilities and reconstruction of wharf sheds, etc., were of the opinion that they would like a fuller report to be placed before them and time to peruse same before any steps were taken.

The chairman also stated' that in addition to the harbour scheme, there were two roads, one from Port Jackson to Fletcher’s Bay and the other from Sandy Bay to Stoney 'Bay which would give road access to settlers who had paid rates for 50 years. He suggested the council authorise him to go to Wellington on these matters with a view to obtaining grants and subsidy. He considered .there would be time to get these matters on the Supplementary Estimates. It was proposed 'by Cr. J. G. Strongman, seconded by Cr. A. J. Denize, that the chairman be authorised to go to Wellington in connection with the three matters mentioned.

The resolution was carried, only Cr. H. C. Bull opposing it. It was pointed out that any suggested scheme for harbour facilities would be first approved by the council and then have to be approved by the Marine Department and as work would have to be done in connection with the present wharf and sheds- it would appear that a longer-sighted scheme would be advisable. A more comprehensive report will be drawn up and. will be published at a later date.

ANXIOUS TO HELP DEPUTATION TO MINISTER While in Wellington last Friday, August 13, Mr C. C. Rae, chairman of the Coromandel County Council, with Mr J. Thorn, M.P., met the Hon. J. O’Brien, Minister of Marine, with a proposal for a grant of a sum of £3500; on a £ for £ basis for the extension of the Coromandel wharf, so as to provide an all-day service. The Minister gave the deputation a most sympathetic hearing. He instructed his departmental officer to prepare a report on the project, and stated that when this came to hand he would take the matter to Cabinea for a decision. He said he was very anxious to help Coromandel. GRANTS F6R ROADS HEARING FROM THE MINISTER On Friday, August 13, Mr C. C. Rae, .chairman of the Coromandel County Council, and Mr James Thorn, M.P., met the Hon. R. Semple, Minister of Works, to urge him to make grants of £3OO available on each of two reading proposals, these roads being from Port Jackson to Fletcher’s, and from Port Charles to Bronlund’s/ The Minister gave the deputation a very fair hearing, and promised to get a report from his district engineer on the desirability of these proposals and then to make his decision.