FOXTON HARBOUR BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 492, 9 October 1909, Page 2

FOXTON HARBOUR BOARD.

A meeting of the Board mem—bers was held in the Council Chamber last night. There were present Messrs G. H. Stiles (chairman), J. A, Nash and J. G* Wilson. An apology for absence owing to ill-health, was received from Mr B. R. Gardener. Mr Hi Tolly, of Feilding, who had obtained leave of absence from all meetings except important ones, did not send an apology for absence. The Secretary said that he had telegraphed to Mr Tolly, asking him to attend as it was a~” r most important meeting, but had received no ’•eply. The members present expressed the opinion that in the interests of the Board Mr Tolley should resign his seat and the Feilding Borough should appoint some other person who would be able to attend the meetings. The Secretary reported the amount to credit at the Bank of New Zealand as ,£93 4s id. The pilotages for September totalled tons, and the total rents received for sections was 10s, leaving outstanding £g 10s. Correspondence was read from the Foxton Chamber of Commerce in reference to having Foxton constituted a port of entry for dutiable goods.—lt was decided tosupport the proposal. From Mr Edward Newman, M.P., advising that he had interviewed Hon. J. A.- Millar in reference to his visit to Foxton, but he was unable! to ■ fix a definite date at present. ’

From the Railway Department, advising that they had arranged to hand over to the Board their interest in the land leased to the various flaxmillers along the river bank.—lt was decided to apply for all rents paid on these lands since the constitution of the Board.

The • Harbour Master reported a great quantity of tow and other flaxmill refuse had accumulated in the river, which was affecting the navigation of the river. He had inspected the mills from the wharf to the Shannon bridge and found that the millers appeared to be complying with the regulations. He asked the Board to make arrangements for the inspection of the mills above the Shannon bridge.—lt was decided to ask the police to make enquiries into the matter.

The question of having the Board’s punt decked, which had been before a previous meeting, was again referred to in a letter from the ' Harbour Master, in / which he estimated that the vfta would cost about £l3, and was further discussed.—lt was decided to leave the matter in the chairman’s hands.

Accounts amounting to £27 7s 6d Were passed for payment. A complaint was read from Messrs t,evin and Co. alleging that the Harbour Master had neglected his duties ; and Mr Pryor, secretary of the Shipowners’ Federation, was also in attendance, and made a number of charges against the Harbour Master. The discussion was held in committee, and a recommendation is to be presented at next meeting.