THE LEVIN GASWORKS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 464, 22 July 1909, Page 3

THE LEVIN GASWORKS.

SPEECH BY MAYOR STILES

At the opening ceremony of the Municipal Gasworks at Levin yesterday afternoon, in,responding to the toast of "Neighbouring Local Bodies" the Mayor of Foxton, G. H. Stiles, Esq., said that it gave him very great pleasure to be present at such an important function, in company with members of his Council. Although the day had had been ear-marked by his Council specially for tree planting, it was thought that in order to show the good feeling that existed in Foxton its governing representatives should attend this function. He said he believed that this was the first official visit that Foxton had paid them, and he took the opportunity of congratulating Levin on the fine Municipal Gasworks that had just, been opened, and also on the great progress that Levin had made under the guidance of Mayor Gardener. He assured them that Levin had Foxton’s very best wishes. The two towns had many things in common, which would be for their mutual good if we work unitedly to accomplish them. He referred at length to the most important work ahead, namely the LevinMarton extension, and he was pleased to hear previous speakers, particularly Cr Cohen, of Wellington, speak in favourable terms of this connecting link of the Main Trunk Line. This connection, while opening up a considerable area of first class country, would be of vital importance to the whole Dominion, and it would shorten the distance between Auckland and Wellington by 15 to 20 miles, and reduce the time taken by about an hour. He urged all present to keep this matter ever in the forefront, and whenever opportunity occurred to exert their influence to its accomplishment. Another matter touched upon by Mr Stiles was the endeavour being made to improve the port of Foxton. This also was a matter of vital interest to Levin, as when the railway connection had been made goods coming via this port would be landed at a very much cheaper rate than obtained at present. Reference was also made to the injustice of the Government in retaining all wharfages. Instead of spending this money on improving the river, the Government devoted the whole of it to swell the revenue of the working railways—a most unheard of thing. He expressed the hope that this matter would be rectified when Parliament met. There was another matter that was exercising public attention at the present time, and that was the proposal to establish co-operative freezing works. He referred at length to the magnificient offer that had been made by the Foxton Harbour Board in offering a free site for these works to the promoters, and also to another offer recently made of all paddocking accommodation required free of any charge. These offers must have great weight in determining the selection of a site, as the saving would be enormous to all, and not only this, but the facilities for Home loading could not be beaten. He said he hoped that if there were any present who were shareholders or who were interested in any way, that from a financial point of view, they would urge that Foxton be the site chosen. He again assured those present of Foxton’s willingness to co-operate with them in, any movement, for the welfare of the two towns. His remarks were heartily applauded,