THE POSTON HABBOR BOARD. i

Manawatu Herald, 5 November 1880, Page 3

THE POSTON HABBOR BOARD. i

♦ We are glad to see that the steps taken by the Foxton Harbor Board at its meeting the other day to prepare the way for an application for an endowment have met with such a ready lesponse at the hands of the County Council. That body showed itself worthy of the position it holds by the liberality with which it at once voted the sum of £25 towards the object the Harbor Board has in view, and though but little was said by Messrs Sanson and Linton, who respectively proposed and seconded the motion already reported in our columns, what they did say was to the point, and showed that as representative men they regard the progress and development of the Port of Foxton as of the utmost importance to the outlying portions of the County This opinion is widely shared in by the County ratepayers, and we believe the general opinion will be that the £25 voted by the Council was a wise expenditure. Having the interests of the port of Foxton especially at heart, as we hold that good shipping facilities will enhance the value of every acre of land in the County, we hope the other local bodies will take the same view as the Council, and assist the good work of the Harbor Board according to their means. During the last year or two there has been a perceptible diminution of the petty jealousy thatformerly existed between Foxton and other districts, as the inland townships and the Port are beginn; ng to recognise that each has its particular mission, and that the progress of one reflects something at least of its prosperity to the other. Now that the Harbor Board has taken this step, it is to be hoped it wi'l throw off the lethargy it has shown in the past, and though its powers are circumscribed by lack of funds, do what it can to fulfil its functions by keeping a watchful eye upon matters relating to the port. To ensure this, periodical meetings should be held, and though the business to be transacted may be of an insignificant character, the mere fact of holding such meetings would give a standing to the Board. Subjoined, we publish the very pointed aud forcible letter written ly Mr Gray, < hairman of the Harbour Board, to "the Council. We believe copies have been sent to the other local bodies named in the resolution of the Board, and certainly the arguments contained in it are so well put, that nothing but abso'ute poverty can be pleaded as an excuse by any body which has the interests of the County at heart, foi giving a denial to the request : — Foxton, November 1, ISBO. The Chairman County Council, Foxton. Sib, — I have the honor, by order of the Harbour Board, to enclose you copy of a resolution paseed at its lust meeting. The proposition is, that seeing how the interest of the whole County lies in the developing and popularising of the Port, and seeing the miserable position the Board is at pre Bent plaoed in, a united action by the publir bodies within the County boundary woulc enable ft competent surviy and repoit to bi prepared, which would materially assist i future application for endowment, ns i could then be shown for what purposei money would be requited, and the advan tagea that might reasonably be expected bj any such outlay. I might be allowed to remind you tha any improvement in our harbour -work mean* a (wring to all, securing, as it will larger vessels entering our river, and thereby cheapening freights and preventing delay* which, at .present are- provided for by higl charges. I -hope that your Board will see a way t< ■ vote some small amount for that purpose. - ' I have, Ac, : , . „ '•'■■• * m ~ A. Usay, AiCb*im»MrVixtotiU«tVoni Board.