The Manawatu Herald. Saturday, February 8, 1913. THE LOCAL WHARF.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1061, 8 February 1913, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Saturday, February 8, 1913. THE LOCAL WHARF.

The Hon. Mr Herries, during a speech at the banquet tendered in his honour ou Thursday night, said emphatically that it was part of his policy as Minister of Railways to get out of the wharf business. That is to say the Railway Department should exercise its functions on railway matters only. But he added it was his duty to see that any assets over which the Department bad control were not disposed of at a loss. When the Foxton Harbour Board was first constituted, along with other Boards on this coast, our then local public men did not possess sufficient enterprise to carry out the functions of the Board. All the machinery there for them to control the port, but they were too apathetic. The Railway Department took control of the wharf, and for years have received thousands of pounds in revenue which has been transferred to the working railways account, not one penny piece has the Department spent on the improvement of the water wa# Prior to the passing of a special Act the Railway Department had misappropriated thousands of pounds, which should have been expended ou the port. And now, forsooth, the rightful controlling body, anxious to do what the Railway Department has neglected, is asked to impose a tax upon the district, and pay nearly ,£29,000 in order to exerejse control. If tbe Railways were dealing with a private

company there would be some reason for the iniquitous demand, but they are simply asked to transfer the control of the wharf from one public department to another.

Wk believe the Minister intends to treat fairly with the Board in the matter, but so far he has only been dancing to the tune set by his advisers, Messrs Ronayne and Buxton. The former gentleman, with a commercial instinct worthy of a Petticoat Lane huckster, cannot see further then his departmental nose in the matter, and any loss o( revenue to the department would reflect on his administrative ability. A responsible Minister should be able to carefully weigh the evidence of both parties and use his prerogative. It appears, however, as if the Harbour Board all along have been dealing with Mr Ronayne, and not the Minister. The arguments put forth by members of the deputation on Thursday should throw a very different light on the information pumped into Mr Herries by Mr Ronayne, and we believe, as a result, that the Minister will treat differently with the Board when the matter is again discussed.

Tin-; Railway Department has sold the Onehuuga wharf 'o the Auckland Harbour Board for ,£3,000. Now, it the Onehuuga wharf is only worth that amount, then the Foxtou wharf is worth about ioo. That is the relative values. This deal was mentioned to the Minister on Thursday, and he stated that the Onehuuga wharf was not revenue-producing. It is inconceivable that a wharf of the importance of Ouehunga, with regular steamer connection, is not revenue-producing. No doubt the local Board will make full inquiries into the disposal of the Onehuuga wharf. It may be helpful in future transactions with the Railway Department.