NEW GOODS SHED FOR FOXTON.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2761, 22 July 1924, Page 3

NEW GOODS SHED FOR FOXTON.

HARBOUR BOARD’S ACTIVITIES

The, chief business: of the Eoxton Harbour Board on Saturday afternoon was to discuss the proposal of erect ing a poods shed at the wharf. Two rough sketch plans were placed before the meeting by Messrs L. G. West and Son, one for a building costing in the vicinity of £2.000 and the other made out in accordance with the Board’s desire for a roomy building on dimensions supplied by it, amounting to approximately £3,500. This latter building would be 140 feet by 04 feet. Mr Rimrner tLevin) spoke in favour of (he larger building.

Mr Signal .in discussing the proposed size of the contemplated structure, said that if was useless erecting a building unless there was going to be ample floor space. He also considered that two wharves, or jetties, would be necessary so as to enable the working of two boats at once if necessary. He would support a proposal for the adoption of the larger plan. . Mr J. Chrystall said that he had gone exhaustively info the matter and was of opinion that the modified structure would serve the Board’s purpose. The Board would have to be careful. It would have to take into consideration the operations of the Manawnfu-Oroua River Board. Messrs Levin and Co. Ltd. did not have enough confidence in Eoxton to re-erect their building destroyed by fire some years ago. Mr E, R. B. Holben said he was not in favour of cheeseparing. If the shed was erected and run for five years only it would produce a substantial profit. He then quoted the returns derived from the local port by the Railway Department. Mr ‘Hash expressed surprise at Mr Clirystall’s attitude and addressing that member, said: “You want to look a bit further ahead for Eoxton,” He said that shipping was sure to increase and the Board did not want to spoil a good job for the sake of £SOO or so. Plenty of storage room was essential. -He said be had quite expected to see Mayor Chrystall fully in favour of the proposition as it would benefit Foxfon. He could quite easily have understood opposition from the Palmerston North members. Mr Chrystall,- T am in favour of the scheme. I was only making a suggestion. Continuing. Mr Nash said that (here had he< n no better chance in the history of Eoxton than Unit offering to-day to do things in connection with the port.- Work of this description would he beneficial to Eoxton and the whole district, He strongly supported the adoption of the larger scheme. Mr Signal said that-there was no doubt as to the' fact that shipping was looking up at the local port. He ])ointed out (he necessity of having two wharves in connection with I lie new building. Mr Chrystall said he would move the adoption of the larger plan. TTe said the Board’s object in erecting a goods-shod was to give customers cheaper handling and sorting charges. This would not he able to he clone unless the venture proved profitable.

Mr Holben: Foxton is the cheaptsl port in the Dominion at present ns regards sorting and handling charges. He sit'id he would second the motion. Mr Nash said he thought the scheme would prove very beneficial to Foxton. Mr Holben: Sure! Mr Chrystall: I hope it won’t be for Palmerston North only. Mr Nash : If such a scheme benefits Palmerston North you may be sure it will certainly benefit Foxton. The motion for the adoption of the larger plan was then put and carried unanimously. It was decided that Messrs L. G. West and Son, of Palmerston N., be appointed architects. It was decided to write the General Manager of Railways, pointing out that the Board intended to commence the ..erection of their new shed on the site of Messrs Levin and Co.’s shed, destroyed by tire, within three months. Decided that secretary call for tenders for the erection, of the building in iron as soon as the documents re transfer of lease come to hand.