THE FOXTON WHARF.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1505, 3 February 1916, Page 3

THE FOXTON WHARF.

At Tuesday’s meeting o£ the Foxton Harbour Board the order of reference in connection -villi the Royal Commission set up to consider matters in reference to the proposed transfer of the Poxton wharf to the Board, was received. The Chairman said that although the Royal Commission was also dealing with the Levin-Greatford railway and Sandon tramway extension questions the Board bad nothing to do with those matters, and would concern itself first and last with the wharf acquisition question only. The Board had endeavoured to get the word “acquisition” substituted for “purchase” in the order of reference, but without success. He was of opinion that there was every probability of a satisfactory settlement of this matter being arrived at, and it was for the meeting to decide what evidence should be brought before the Commission. He thought it would be advisable to confer with a competent engineer as to the value of the structure. Mr Nash said that whilst the Board was desirous of having the Commission deal solely with the wharf acquisition question, the Minister for Railways had insisted that the railway matters should also be considered by the same Commission. This was going to cause conflict of opinion. As far as the Board was concerned, however, they were concerned with only one question, and would devote their whole energies to that. He considered they should convene a conference of representatives of local bodies as soon as possible, and get a united effort for the purchase of the wharf. Mr Robertson did not think a great deal would be gained from a conference, as the Board had in its possession all the evidence and data that was required. He suggested setting up a sub committee to confer with the Board’s legal advisers and decide on the evidence to be brought before the Commission. From the order of reference it appeared that the question was to be dealt with from the viewpoint of the whole railway system of New Zealand and not from a district standpoint, and he regarded the setting up of the Commission as a diplomatic triumph for the Railway Department. He moved that a subcommittee be set up to confer with the Board’s legal advisers and consider what evidence shall be placed before the Commission. Mr Barber seconded the motion, and on his suggestion Messrs Hennessy, Nash, Robertson, Jenks and the Secretary were appointed a committee.