FOXTON HARBOUR BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2537, 1 February 1923, Page 3

FOXTON HARBOUR BOARD.

ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual meeting of the Foxton Harbour Board was 'held at Foxton, on Tuesday afternoon. Present: Messrs J. Linklater, M.P., (chairman), J. Chrystall, E. R. B. Holben, W„ E. Barber, W. Signal! and the secretary (Mr Roore). Messrs J. A. Nash, M.P., and Clapham forwarded-apologies for absence. Mr E. fi. Short, one of the board’s lessees, wrote asking the board to agree in the matter of having two separate insurance policies—one in favour of the board and the other in favour of the Star Bowkett Society, Palmerston North. —The application was granted with a, pro- ■ viso that the,policy to the society ' should not affect the existing policy in favour of the board. KEEPING-THE CHANNEL OPEN. Messrs Levin and Co. Ltd., wrote enquiring if the board was prepared to renew its leases for 21 years at an outright rental per annum for the whole term and if the board was prepared to guarantee that, the river would be navigable from its mouth to their shed and wharves should they rebuild. Members agreed that they could give no guarantee that the river could be kept navigable. Mr Signal: The river will never be any different, in regard to the channel, from what it is now. The chairman and other members agreed that all that could be done was to undertake to maintain dredging operations and do what they could to keep the river open for navigation. Mr Holben pointed out that whatever they did they must endeavour to encourage firms to build and extend their business at the port. On the motion of Mr Chrystall it was decided to reply stating that the board could not give an undertaking to keep the channel open, but all reasonable steps would be taken tc do so as in the past. There ensued some discussion as to the legal aspect of the re-leasing of the wharves and this question, it was decided, should be referred to the board’s solicitor before considering the reneivals asked for. IMPROVEMENT IN CONDITIONS. In moving the adoption of the chairman’s annual report, which has already been published, Mr Holben said that most comprehensive and informative, and clearly demonstrated a material improvement in conditions at the port. They could do better still and it was hoped they would yet make the port of Foxton of vital importance to the whole district. Mr Signal: We will if we get the facilities. The reports of the chairman and treasurer (the latter having been published in our last issue) were adopted. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. In proposing the -re-election of Mr Linklater as chairman, Mr Holben eulogised his work on behalf of the board in the past, expressing gratification at their present position and looking to better things in the future. No board had worked and progressed under such adverse conditions as that at Foxton. Now that Mr Linklater was a member of Parliament they could look forward to even further assistance from him assisted as formerly by Mi' J. A. Nash, M.P. Other members spoke n like vein and Mr Linklater assured the members that he would do his best to further the interests of the port of Foxton, which" had before it great possibilities which it was expected to realise. He thanked the members for their co-operation in the year’s work.

Mr W. E. Barber was re-elected treasurer.

GENERAL. Te secretary reported that, iu regard to lot 71), the rent for 1922 was outstanding and as yet no building had been erected since the lease was accepted. There was every prospect of re-letting this section to someone else if the lease was cancelled. ; —lt was decided to allow the lessee 60 days in which to erect a building the default being the surrender of the lease. Accounts totalling £214 12s were passed for payment. ' PURCHASE OP BENZINE. The offer of a Palmerston North him to supply benzine to the board for 23s nett, seven days f.o.b. or f.o.r. Foxton, was the cause of a brief discussion on the board’s previous, purchase of benzine. Mr Barber expressed his dissatisfaction at tiie price, 27s Cd a case, previously paid by the board and purchased by the pilot on its behalf. He had been getting benzine for ins own use at 23s to 25s per case. The chairman: We must buy in the cheapest market. On the motion of Mi’ Holben, it was decided'in future the secretary execute all orders for the purchase of benzine. Mr Holben pointed out that they must have good quality benzine or the pilot might strike engine trouble, which could be attended by serious consequences when crossing the bar. Mr Barber: I would not have him use anything but the best. It can be landed here for 235. The Bank of N.Z. notified the Board that it could arrange overdraft up to three quarters of the total annual revenue. —Decided to take advantage of same if found necessary. Decided to remit the sum of £9O to the Public Trustee, short paid on account of Sinking Fund. One mortgage for Beach section

was approved and the following leases confirmed: Board to Benjamin Stubbing, do. to Robert Chaffey, do. to Tuna Roiri. The removal of the Board’s office to the Town Hall was shelved. The secretary was instructed to prepare a statement of legal charges incurred by the Board in connection with the collection of rents relating to the lease of the Round Bush reserve for presentation to next meeting.

Application was made by a number of Palmerston North residents to rent sections in the vicinity of “Hunia’s Lake” outlet. —Decided to make investigations as to whether the land is within the Board’s endowment.