FOXTON HARBOUR BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3569, 30 November 1926, Page 3

FOXTON HARBOUR BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING. The usual monthly meeting of the Foxton Harbour Board was held in the secretary’s office yesterday, presided over by the chairman (J. Linklater Esq., M.P.). Also present were Messrs J. A. Nash, M.P., E. R. B. Holben, J. Chrystall, W. E. Barber, R. McMurray and the secretary (Mr R. Rangiheuea). An apology for absence was received from Mr Mortensen. REDUCTION IN FREIGHTS ON SMALL PARCELS. The local committee recommended that the Board redtice the wharfage and handling charges on minimum packages weighing up to 561bs. or measuring one foot, to fid, provided the ship’s freight was reduced on same from 2/6 to 2/-. Mr Holben said that he understood that some years ago Foxton was the cheapest port in New Zealand. It was cheaper than Wanganui as a feeder for Palmerston N. and he could not understand why a reduction was wanted in the charges. The Board’s profits were very small and if freights were to be reduced as suggested, the goods were not worth handling. He djid not think the Reduction recommended would help the Board at all. Mr Barber said that the charge on small parcels was 2/6 plus 1/9 wharfage, and this was sending all parcels over the railway. Messrs Levin and Co. were agreeable to meet the Board in a reduction in the charges. Mr Holben asked what the small parcel traffic amounted to per annum. He understood that it was not worth much. Mr Chrystall said that the proposal was well worth a trial. The Board should not look at the matter from a revenue point of view. It was the trade that it might attract that was to be considered. If the .proposal was given a. trial and found unsatisfactory, the old charges could easily be reverted to. Mr McMurray said that Messrs Levin and Co. had agreed to endeavour to have all small parcels shipped per the s.s. Kennedy kept together, and this would obviate the necessity of sorting at this end. On the motion of Mr iChrystnlWhe recommendation was adopted. THE ARTESIAN BORE.

Mr Chystall said that he understood that the contractors for sinking the artesian bore at the Manawau Heads had struck water at the 200 foot level, but had not reported the fact to the secretary, which was contrary to the agreement. They had continued on and were now down to a depth of about 24.1 ft. Speaking from experience, Mr Chrystall said that it was highly improbable that water would again be reached until somewhere in the vicinity of the 500 level. Personally, he thought that boring operations should cease almost immediately and that the pipe i should be blown out at the 200 foot level. The cost of sinking the bore a depth of 250 ft. would be £llO 10/-. The water at the 200 foot level rose to a height of eighteen inches and was quite free] flowing. After a general discussion the matter was left entirely in the hands of Mr Chrystall. The Board passed a resolution to remunerate Mr W. J. Brogden, of Palmerston N., water diviner, for his services in connection with the location of the site for the bore. RAILWAY FREIGHTS. The Chairman reported that he had interviewed the Acting Minister for Railways in connection with a reduction of freight charges between Foxton and Palmerston N., requesting that they be reduced to coincide with those obtaining on the Wanganui-Palmcrston N. line. The Acting Minister had informed him that if it would pay the Department to reduce the charges, the Department would do so. Mr Nash said a deputation should wait on the Prime Minister, who was Minister for Railways, and place the matter before him on his return to New Zealand. Mr Barber said that lie did not think the Railway Department would favour a reduction of the freights. Mr Holben said that everything should be done to assist the Railway Department, as the people themselves had to make up any deficiency.

Mr Chrystall said the Railway Department should out their rates by half in order to defeat the killing competition of the motor lorries. The people would receive the benefit even if it did not pay. The Chairman said that the Department. had granted a reduction on the Wlanganui line so there was no reason why thdv could not grant a similar concession on the Foxton . line. Mr Nash moved that a deputation consisting of representatives of the Chambers of Commerce, Borough Councils, the Harbour Board, and the Members of Parliament for Horowhenua, Manawatu and Palmerston N., Member for Wellington and President of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, and chairmen of County Councils, wait on the Prime Minister in regard to the matter on his return to the Dominion. . The motion was carried unanimously. ROBINSON’S BEND. Mr Barber reported that Mr W. Signal had reported the river at Robinson’s Bend to be in good order again. MOTION OF SYMPATHY. Mir Nash expressed regret at the news received that morning that Mr W. Signal had been taken suddenly ill. Mr Signal, he said, w;as an

old and a very useful member of the Board. He expressed the hope that Mr Signal would be speedily restored to health again. The Chairman also,expressed regret at the news and said Mr Signal was a man the services of whom, the Board could ill afford to lose He had.been a very valuable member of the Board. The secretary was instructed to forward Mr Signal a letter of sympathy with the hope that he would be speedily restored to his usual health. GENERAL. A letter was received from Messrs DaJgety and Co., requesting information re the port of Foxton on behalf of Llyods.—'Secretary to furnish same. The bank overdraft was increased to £6OO. A cheque was passed for payment of members travelling expenses. 1 The. next meeting of the Board will be held in Palmerston North on December 20th, at 1.30 p.m.