FREEZING WORKS SITE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 465, 7 August 1909, Page 2

FREEZING WORKS SITE.

FOXTON VISITED. Messrs J. C. Cooper (Pahiatua),. G. Pain (Wairarapa), H. J, Booth (Feilding) and J. Wingate (Palmerston), members of the special committee set up by the provisional directors of the Farmers’ Co-operative Freezing Works Company to inspect and report on probable sites for the proposed works, arrived yesterday afternoon by motor bus from Palmerston, for the purpose of inspecting the site offered by the Harbour Board.

The committee were met by Messrs Stiles (chairman of the Harbour Board), andß. G. Gower on whose initiative the site was offered. The party chartered a bus and proceeded to the site. Por-

tion of the road is in a very bad condition and the vehicle rose and fell like a ship in a heavy sea. Mr Stiles pointed out that the committee could not have chosen a worse day for the visit of inspection. A heavy fresh was in the river, a big sea running, and the ground everywhere gave evidence of the recent heavy rainstorm. The proposed site is a little to seaward of Anderson’s cottage, and a jetty from the works at this spot would reach deep water in the river channel about four chains distant. Pilot Hall, who was, also in attendance, was questioned by Mr Cooper in reference to the river channel and depth of water on the bar at neap and spring tides. In answer to Mr Cooper, Pilot Hall stated that ocean steamers could safely anchor from a mile and a half to two miles from the bar. In fact he said there was plenty of water a half mile from the bar, but masters did not care to take risks. Mr Cooper said that he had been reliably informed that steamers would not come closer in than two miles. Mr Hall said lighters drawing 6ft. could work the bar on an average of five hours 'at'spfiag- t’sk-S-and.. provided the_ weather was favourable th’reehTurs at neap tides. During summer for a month at a time, the bar could be negotiated on a plank. The pilot said that at the time of inspection the party saw the river and entrance at its worst. The party then proceeded on loot further up the river in front of Mr Perreau’s tea rooms. The site and river were carefully noted by the party. Mr Cooper stated that all the sea board sites had now been inspected and it was for the directors to say what other sites should be visited. After indulging in light refreshments the party left for Palmerston to the accompaniment of a heavy shower of rain.