FOXTON HARBOUR BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3521, 7 August 1926, Page 3

FOXTON HARBOUR BOARD.

COMPARATIVE RECEIPTS

CHAIRMAN’S ANNUAL REPORT.

The following is the Chairman’s annual report to be submitted to Monday’s annual meeting of the Foxton Harbour Board:—

“In submitting my annual report, I desire to say that shipping, in the main, has further improved in comparison with last year’s operations, but there is still room for expansion. In this connection I have reason to believe 'that, within the next few months, a further improvement will be shown. The facilities at the port augur well for the future. I am still hopeful that another steamer will take up the running, not only between Wellington and Foxton, but between the port and beyond Lyttelton. Shippers and consignees alike would welcome the establishment of a regular shipping service between Foxton and the South Island ports. “As predicted last ydar, both in and out freights have increased and I am hopeful of further augmentation next year.

“A question of vital importance to the Board is the proposed “cut” in the Manawatu River by the Mana-watu-Oroua River Board. If the improvements to the fairway as set forth by the promoters of the scheme, can be fulfilled in relation to local navigation, the prospects for the future of the port are assuredly bright. I am advised that the scheme to concentrate flood waters in a direct line to the bar would improve both bar and [channel. Shipping facilities would, in the circumstances, be improved by establishing the wharf either at Rush Flat or to where the proposed “cut” crosses the existing channel. lam also assured that the scheme, if put into operation, would enable vessels of greater draught to trade to the port with greater reliability and so establish continuity of shipping. With regard tor the bar I am informed that the River Board Engineer can confidently guarantee that the average depth throughout the year would be greater than it is now. From a shipping viewpoint I would prefer to get an undertaking to the effect that the channel at the -bar during neap tides would be maintained as the result of the proposed “cut” at not less than 9 feet. The law of average is dangerous to shipping. On paper the benefits that will accrue from the scheme appear advantageous to the port. The commission appointed to determine the Board’s share of rates- payable for the consummation of the scheme will sit in Palmerston North during the month and it is necessary that your representatives should have a thorough knowledge of all the, details as to its bearing on the port. “Endowments. —It is my intention, at 'an early date, to instruct the Board’s solicitors to obtain the whole of its land transfer titles in respect of its various endowments. Any action in this connection I am sure will meet with your approval. “Tree Planting:—Tree planting on the accretion land has been extensively carried out with good results. The Board is indebted to the Beach Improvement Committee for services rendered in this connection.

“Town Board: —It is thought desirable to consider the question of forming a Town Board at Te Wharangi. The growth of this resort during the lqst few years has been very rapid and consequently the necessity for proper and efficient control is very apparent'in the matter of sanitation and care of property, etc. At present this resort is getting too wieldy for irresponsible control. lam assured by residents that the movement will meet with general approval. The advantages of local government both to the Board and the lessees are self-evi-dent.

“Drag Scoop: —The scoop has been given three trials at Robinson’s Bend during the latter end of the year and from soundings submitted by Captain Larsen the result is somewhat disappointing. The idea, to my mind, is a good one and by effecting certain alterations, as recommended by the Harbourmaster, the contrivance should yet prove serviceable. “Suitable Street Names: —The streets and roads at Te Wlharangi require suitable names and I would suggest that the Board give this matter attention in order to avoid confusion -later.

“Launch Engine:—-During the year a new Thornycroft marino engine has been installed in the Harbourmaster's launch for the sum of £lB2 13s, and is giving entire satisfaction.

“Dredge:—The dredge “Hennessy” requires recaulking and f 1 suggest that this matter be gvien immediate attention.

“Gfab Dredge During the recent flood Mr. McMurrny with two men left Foxton at about 4.30 p.m. with a view of either refloating the grab dredge at the junction of Te Kara and the Tokomaru Streams or mooring her in such a way as to avert any danger of losing her. In this -the adventurers were less fortunate, but had the satisfaction of knowing that in so far as drifting down the stream was concerned she was fairly safe. I would suggest that immediate action should be undertaken in having her removed to Foxton.

“Coal: —Numerous requests have been made by Chambers of Commerce and Borough Councils to resuscitate the coal trade through the port. The question of buying a suitable boat to run between Westport or Hokitika at regular intervals is a difficult problem. To again ask the Government to land

its coal at Foxton and save haulage over Paekakariki may be advisable. Years ago when a private company owned the Manawatu Line the matter presented little or no difficulty, but since the acquisition of the line by the State, haulage from Wellington superseded the more economical transport through the port. “Wharf Control and Working: — The control and working of the wharf has been assumed by the Board as from the 18th May, 1925, and from figures submitted by the local Committee greater efforts will, have to be made to justify the change. To ensure financial stability another boat must be found for the trade and if merchants and people dependent on the port for their goods, could only realise the saving to their houses of business annually they would endeavour to put on three or four boats. The port is no worse now than 30 years ago when as many as nine vessels were trading here. The material difference being that the railway coal landed here and distributed practically to all parts of the Wellington and Hawke’s Bay provinces, is now hauled direct from Wellington since the. acquisition of the Manawatu Co.’s Line. There are other freights offering sufficient to warrant trade for two or three boats. The business-houses would welcome a regular trade between Foxton and Lyttelton and ports further south. “Light Railway: —The question of providing Te Wliarangi with a light railway should still be prosecuted. Unfortunately the railway officials reported adversely to claim for railway facilities and for the time being the matter is held in abeyance.

“New Goods Shed. —The contraction of the new goods shed has been completed during the year and it provides additional space so necessary for the economical handling of cargo. “Wharf Extension: —As the proposed “cut” has a great bearing on the Board’s development, I would recommend the suspension of the proposed extension to the new wharf in the meantime.

“FlaxmiU Sites: —The question of finalising the boundaries and titles is still in the hands of the Board’s solicitors, and I am hopeful at no distant date, that the matter will be finally and satisfactorily settled. “Appreciation: —I take this opportunity of expressing appreciation of the activities of the Beach Improvement Committee for the improvements effected at Te Wliarangi, and for the voluntary services rendered by its individual members. In this connection I have to commend all for their invaluable services in the interest of the Beach and its environments.

“In conclusion, gentlemen, I desire to thank you for the loyal support accorded me during the year and for the very keen interest evinced in the work and I sincerely hope that the current year will mark a further era of progress.” TREASURER’S REPORT. In presenting my annual statement on the board’s finances for the year ending December 31st, 1925, it will be noticed that the position of the board in reference to the GENERAL ACCOUNT is not perhaps as satisfactory as we could wish, the bank balance being £433 18s 2d as against £lOlB 9s fid for the previous year.

“The following are comparative expenses incurred out of the General Account for 1924-25, the expenses incurred in 1924 ‘being given in parenthesis: —Harbourmaster and assistants, £352 18s (£357 14s) kerosene, benzine and motor spirit, £54 13s 4d (£G2 18s 7d); maintenance and repairs, £8(1 3s lOd (£49 11s lid); office expenses, £422 10s 3d (£290 10s 4d); handling goods and commission, £1057 5s 10d (£724 18s lOd); dredging etc., £322 8s 9d (£GB3 Os 4d); miscellaneous, £lO3 lGs, 8d; (£4Ol 16s 7d); insurances, £99 17s (£SO 3s 8d); survey etc., £lßl 11s (£34 7s 9d); loan account £645 13s 3d (£687 10s); launch engine and installation £l2B Is Id ( ) j travelling expenses £3 2s ( )•

“Under the first two headings a slight decrease is apparent and I am hopeful that, during the current year, a further saving will eventuate.

“Maintenance and repairs are recurring and altogether unavoidable, and owing to further developments at the Pilot Station the expenditure under this head has practically doubled itself.

“Office Expenses: —In this connection the expenditure is also doubled, due no doubt to the increase in the secretary’s salary and office equipment; I hope, however, to find during the current year an appreciable reduction in this department, as many of the itc-ms will be non-recurring.

“Handling Goods and Commission:—You will also find that, under this heading, the handling, etc., have materially increased. To some extent the excess is due to awards now obtaining. Under the Railway Control there were two distinct awards in vogue, viz., one for discharging a vessel in which the Waterside Workers’ Award was strictly adhered to and the other for discharging ex store in which the pay was only 1/10 per hour. At present the. Board has to pay as per the Waterside Workers’ Awards for both services, \gain I find that, under the former control the Department only contributed 6d per hour for overtime put in by the men. These may be considered as the two factors prevalent in the excess of expenditure under handling goods and commission.

“Dredging:—Dredging shows a drop, which, to my mind, is long overdue. The comparison for the two periods under review indicates economy.

“Miscellaneous items need no further comment.

“Insurance presents itself in huge proportion consistent with the full insurable values of the Board’s assets.

“Survey etc.: —In reference to the extra expenditure under the heading, “Survey etc.,” some consolation may be found in the fact that little or no survey will be required for a number of years. . “Loan Account: —In regard to the interest on loan, and the sinking fund the natural tendency is to expand, and the same have increased in proportion to the loan money uplifted by the Board.

“The comparative list of receipts for 1924-25 is as follows: —Pilotage, £225 lfis fid (£250 19s fid); river lighting, £B3 (£99 10s); wharfage (inward), £1629 11s 8d (£1327 7s 4d); wharfage (outward), £283 6s 5d (316 6s 7d); ships’ dues, £23 17s Id (£36 Is lOd); rents, £567 5s 2d (£403 14s Id); miscellaneous, £6O 12s 10 (£3B 11s 7d). “The receipts for the year compare very favourably with those for the previous year, and in four instances a downward tendency is shown. Under the heading ‘rent’ a further sum of £l6l 4s 3d is outstanding, but the default will be rectified during the current year. “The seaside resort ‘Te Wharangi’ continues to bring in to the Board a good deal of revenue which is of material assistance in meeting many obligations.”