Manawatu Herald THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1919. THE FOXTON PORT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2039, 9 October 1919, Page 2

Manawatu Herald THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1919. THE FOXTON PORT.

ANOTHER important step in connection with the development of the Foxton port look - place on .Tuesday,' when the Foxton Harbour Board decided to purchase a suction dredge for use in the river and on the bar. Since its formation, the Board has had a very up-hill struggle, but it now appears that most of the obstacles in the way of developing the port have been overcome, and with the co-operation and assistance of the business people and residents of the whole district, the trade of the port should show a steady increase in the future. When the Board was constituted it had practically no means of revenue, the' clause giving it control of the wharf, from which the main revenue is derived, being struck out of the Bill, leaving it with only rents and pilotages with which to carry on. Ever since the Board has worked unceasingly in an endeavour to get control of the wharf, and their efforts were crowned with success after a light extending over ten years. The loan proposals for the purchase of the wharf for £5,000, and A farther £II,OOO for the erection of sheds and the acquisition of a dredge, were carried by an overwhelming majority, the ratepayers throughout the district recognising that Foxton was the natural, port for a very largo district, and that its development would greatly enhance the prosperity of that district. The negotiations in connection with the wharf purchase were completed a couple of months ago, meantime, itnd until the shed is erected, arrangements are made with the Railways and Levin - and Co., Ltd.,-to handle inward and outward goods. The question of the purchase of a dredge lias been under consideration by the Board for some time, enquiries being instituted in all directions for. one suitable for the requirements of this port. The dredge 1 hni it. has now been decided to purchase, according to the Board’s engineer, is a most suitable one, and will answer all requirements for . many years to come. The main trouble with the river at present, is the formation of one or two sand banks in the channel, and with these removed a sufficient depth of water from the bar to the wharf rvill.be obtained to allow of vessels drawing up to eight or nine feet to work the port, ■