MINISTERIAL VISIT TO FOXTON.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 504, 6 November 1909, Page 2

MINISTERIAL VISIT TO FOXTON.

The Hon. J. A. Millar paid his promised visit to Foxton to-day for the purpose of hearing deputations from the Harbour .Foard in respect to the wharfages and from the Foxton and Palmerston North Chambers of Commerce in reference to the constitution of Foxton as a port of entry for dutiable goods. The Minister was driven over from Devin by Mr F. S. Easton in his motor car, and was accompanied by Mr Field M.P., and Mr B. R. Gardener f Mayor of Devin and member of the Foxton HarboUr Board). The Minister on arrival at the Municipal Chambers was formally welcomed by the Mayor and Mr Newman, M.P. The Minister, acompanied by Messrs Newman and Field M’sP., and Mayor Stiles, Cr A. Speirs, Captain Preece(Palmerston Chamber of Commerce), Messrs B. R. Gardener and J. G. Wilson (chairman Manawatu County Council), made an inspection of the wharf and railway station. The Mayor pointed out those portions ot the Harbour Board endowments which had been recently taken by the Railway Department. He asked the Minister whether the Railway Department would share a portion of the rental from the endowments taken with the Harbour Board. The Minister said he would not commit himself until he had heard what the deputation had to say. He pointed out, however, that there was no likelihood of the Government acquiring any more of the endowment except for railway purposes and for which compensation would be paid. He also remarked that there was a great difference between what was the old, and what is now high-water mark. The old high water mark on the map extended into what is now ’ the fairway. The necessity for a verandah at the railway station was impressed upon him by Cr. Speirs who pointed out , that the residents were promised a verandah, when the building was first erected. The Minister said he could not recommend the erection of verandahs and a considerable number had been applied for, unless the cost was borne by the Public Works Department. Other matters of a minor nature were discussed and an adjournment was made for lunch at Whyte’s Hotel, where the other members of the Harbour Board, namely, Messrs J. A. Nash and W. T. Wood, (Palmerston), and Cr Tolley (Feilding) put in an appearance. , After lunch an adjournment was made to the Council Chamber when the deputation from the Harbour Board in reference to wharfage dues, waited upon Mr Millar.

The deputation was introduced by Mr Newman, M.P.

A full report df Mr Newman’s and also the other spokesmen, Messrs G. H. Stifes, J. A. Nash, Wilson, Tolly, Feild, and Gardner, will appear iii our next issue.

The Minister 'refused to hand over the wharfages and recommended putting a rating clause in the Bill shortly tb be brought be* fore Parliament? The Government would not I help the Board unless they were prepared to help themselves. He would, however, consider an application from the Board Jfor the purchase of the wharf atjits present valuation. Re lighting the wharf and railway station, j this would be ■done before next winter. The application for I railway station verandah would be considered among applications for similar work to be undertaken next year.

Captain Preece and Dr Hand! spoke on having Foxton constituted a port of entry tor dutiable goods. The Minister' promised to place the matter before the Minister in charge. j ,