CRIMINAL NEGLECT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3776, 2 November 1907, Page 2

CRIMINAL NEGLECT.

The almost criminal neglect of the Marine Department in not taking sufficient steps to keep the channel reasonably clear, is again apparent. We flatter ourselves upon the fact that we possess the best navigable river on the West Coast. Yet, what do we find constantly happening ? Some of the best river boats afloat, capably handled, finding the bottom coming in and eoing out —four times out of six The latest stick in the mud has been the small collier, the “ Moa,” held hard and fast within half a mile of the wharf for five or six days. Surely this is a very’ strong case to put before the Marine Department. Have we not men amongst us who can represent this state of affairs to our member ? If not, perhaps some of the Palmerston business men will take the matter in hand, and, if possible, form a Harbour District, extending to Palmerston, Feilding, and even beyond. The latest Government foolery is to scrape sand in the channel from one place and let it float away to form bars in another. It would have been much better to have a suitable dredge, with which to either deposit the spoil on the banks of the low levels, or

right out to sea straight away. [Jnlil some intelligent interest is taken in the river by the Maiine Department, we can only expect boats to come here at Spring tides. The Marine Department want “ prodding up ” but what about the ‘ prodders ’’ ?