FOXTON HARBOUR BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2535, 27 January 1923, Page 2

FOXTON HARBOUR BOARD.

CHAIRMAN’S ANNUAL REPORT. The following contains the main features of the chairman’s (Mr J. Linklater, M.P.) annual report to be presented to the annual meeting on Tuesday next. After making reference to the death of Mr W. Bock, late treasurer, the report continues: SHIPPING. Shipping, in the main, has improved when compared' with last year’s operations but there is much room for improvement. “Unity of Purpose” is the governing feature and with this in view I am of opinion that the board wilt" assuredly come in to its own. Latterly the shipping companies who own suitable boats for river-trade have all been circularised with the object of inducing trade with the port and one company in particular is making a move in this direction and is waiting the latest plan of the river and soundings. If same proves satisfactory other companies may bo induced to trade. DREDGING. During the early part of the year dredging was continued on a large scale. A glance at the sheet will disclose the magnitude of this particular work. When you take into consideration those portions of the river, which, at one time menaced shipping and from which all danger is now removed, you will readily agree that the expenditure was justified. The dredge which at one time was endangered by the location of its winches, is now rendered safe, and the thanks of the board are due to Messrs Barber and Signal for prompt action and supervision in this connection. It is to bo hoped that when the river improvement grant comes to hand, dredging will be recommenced. OVERFLOW CUT. One of the most important questions to he considered is the “Overflow Cut” in the Manawatu river, but as yet no definite scheme has been formulated by the ManawatuOroua Drainage Board. I am not prepared to say what will be the effect of the cut on the shipping-ap-proach to the wharves. SORTING CHARGES. With reference to the collection of certain charges on goods ex ship here, the Minister of Railways informs' me that the position at Foxton is not analogous to that obtaining at Wanganui, and that the Department does not contemplate making any alteration in the existing practice, also that the matter will he farther considered when the text of the decision of the Privy Council comes to hand. PRIVATE WHARF. Mr McMurray lias been given authority to establish a private wharf higher up the river for the discharge of general cargoes at a net wharfage of 2/- per ton, in accordance with the schedule of charges to he submitted to him later when his wharf is ready for the reception of goods. REGULAR SHIPPING.

With the river and bar in a reasonable state of navigation the board should strive for regularity of shipping. as at present the s.s. Kennedy calls at irregular intervals and this means the loss of prospective trade. In passing I desire to express gratification of the fact that durng the year, shipping multiplied threefold which is a sure indication the river and bar have improved. Unfortunately for this- year’s record the s.s. Kennedy was stranded on the south spit in the month of November last due no doubt to the abnormal weather prevailing at the time.

SURVEY OF THE RIVER. I have for the information of the members to report that, the survey of the. river at a cost not exceeding £3O has now been completed and I am now waiting the receipt of a certilied plan from the engineers. The Board is to be congratulated on having this work undertaken at >ueh a reasonable cost, a. previous estimate being £l5O. TE WHARANGI. Recently it has been ascertained ill at the river has added to Te Wharangi near the river mouth, land to the extent of about 98 acres and owing to the chain road reservation along the river and sea-coast the board was prevented from acquiring same by right. However, in the opinion of the board’s legal adviser the same could be obtained through the Commissioner of Crown Lands. BORROWING FOR SHIPPING. I am not in a position to advise you in regard to the question of borrowing money for the purchase hire, or building or chartering steamers as the subject has not as yet been fully considered by you. ACCESS TO WHARF. The question of access to the wharf and sheds is still under consideration. in the course of a few days Mr M’Villy will visit Foxton to review the question, and much will depend on_ his report to the Minister. In the meantime necessary information is being gathered. Although your decision of the 25th May, 1922, was in favour of granting to Messrs Levin and Co. Ltd. an extension of lease for 33 years (including the unexpired term of ti years) at a re-adjustment of rental at the end of the existing lease, and thereafter at periods of 9 years, owing to the cart access question not having reached duality, the said company has not completed the negotiations. NEW SECTIONS AT SEASIDE The new sections previously laid

off at the Heads have, with the exception of those located in the lowIving areas, all been successfully disposed of. More sections will shortly he available, and as soon as the plan, showing’ their location, has come to hand these will be thrown open for public selection. land speculation. Owing to undue speculation in the sections at the Heads, raising the consent fee to two guineas will tend in a large measure to retard such practice. ROAD CONTRIBUTION.

lii accordance with your wishes the Board’s annual contribution of £l2 10s to the Beach Road Loan is now paid to the Foxton Borough Council and the Manawatu County Council in the proportion of 50/50. ROUND BUSH. During the early part of the year the Government had been asked to fence the Round Buck Scenic Reserve, and this work is to be taken in hand. BEACH IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE. I take this opportunity of expressing the highest appreciation of the activities of the Beach Improvement Committee for the improvements ef- - fee ted at the seaside and for the voluntary services rendered by its individual members. In this connection I have to mention Mr A. G. Da wick for his invaluable services in the interest of the Beach and its environments. Another important feature is the establishment ’of a school at the _ Heads. Although the board is not directly interested in its management, yet it lias made some provision for its maintenance and expansion by providing a reservation of three acres. To the inhabitants ~s well as the board' the school should prove a very valuable asset. In conclusion I desire to thank the members of the board for the loyal support accorded me during my term of office and for the very keen interest taken in the work, and I sincerely hope that the current year will mark a further era of progress.