FOXTON HARBOUR BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2612, 28 July 1923, Page 3

FOXTON HARBOUR BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the Foxton. Harbour Board was held at Palmerston North to-day. FLAX REFUSE. The Marine Department wrote re inspection of river in connection with flax refuse: "Nine mills were inspected by its officer and out of this number, three are liable to prosecution, viz., Nos. 5,6, and 7 respectively. In each ease the flaxrefuse had, at the time of the inspection, been deposited in the river and .is a very serious menace to bridges, channel and shipping.”

The Harbours Association of New Zealand forwarded a copy of the proposed Consolidation Bill for the Board’s perusal together with amendments . suggested by its Executive.

New Sanatorium Road. —The secretary reported this road is 31 chains long and the sum of £3l lias already been paid to the contractor in terms of the agreement and also on the recommendation of Messrs Barber and Signal who were deputed to inspect the road when completed. In conversation with Mr Hartley, the contractor in this instance, he informed the secretary that he had actually paid out in wages the sum of £3O and in horse feed £B. The road had been turfed and is now in a tit state for the reception of metal irrespective of clay. The rain water In the low-lying portions of the road precluded the working of the scoop and he had to cart every layer of turf. Perreau’s Right-of-Way. The secretary reported that he had inspected this right-of-way last Thursday and was satisfied that the contract had been carried out faithfully and well. Applications for Renewal Clauses; — The secretary reported that under the legislation enacted in 1921 the Board has power to renew existing and future leases at the Maimwntil Heads for a further term not exceeding 14 years from the dale of expiration of the present leases on such terms and conditions as the Board deems fit. Applications from the lessees for the endorsement of a renewal on then leases under the 1921 Legislation are to hand; and there have been many inquiries made in reference to this matter. The secretary said lie was anxious to ascertain which action the Board will take in respectthereto.

Loan £16,000 With reference to the balance of this loan the Public Trustee wrote asking if the Board is yet in a position to uplift it. Approaches to Wharf: In reference to the question of paying the cost of planking the cartways or approaches to the wharf already authorised by the Railway Department, the District Railway Engineer wrote asking whether the Board is prepared to pay such cost. Sheathing and Breastwork: Messrs Signal and Barber who were deputed to look into the question of calculating the timber necessan for the renovation of the sheathing and breastwork fn the vicinity of the Board’s shed reported to the office as follows; “As required by the Board, we have gone earefuliy into this question and have found that, in order to put this matter right, it would take 2,856 feet of Jarrah timber at the approximate cost of £( 0. By suspending the renovation of that portion of the breastwork to the south of the shed in length 32 feet the outlay would be reduced by about £l6. It must be understood that the cost of labour is not included In this estimate. Pilot’s Report: —The bar continues to keep good and the present channel is in a good position for shipping. The average soundings for the month are H.W.S.T. lift., and H.W.N.T. 9ft. The river has improved considerably. On the 27tn inst., at. high water in and about the Fisherman’s Flat the average sounding or least water was 9ft. 6in. At the present time this is the shallowest portion of the river between the bar and the wharf.

Planting Lupins.—-The Pilot suggests that, instead of transplanting young lupin plauts on the point at the Heads, the soil from under the lupin trees, which is more or less laden with lupin seed, should be carted and scattered in small heaps among the sandy tussocks at the point. In due time the lupins will protect the young trees and also tlie sandy ridges. By transplanting lupins the sand is never stationary thus the plants will he deprived of any chance of taking root. Two men with a cart.and two horses can be arranged to undertake this work for 30/- per day. Leases for Confirmation :—Board to Jane Lodge M’Kenriek, same to Messrs Sehieler. and Law.

• - Transfer -.for Approval.—Mrs Kenyon, to Mi's F. D. Budden. ! -