Manawatu Herald THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1927. HARBOUR BOARD FINANCES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3727, 8 December 1927, Page 2

Manawatu Herald THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1927. HARBOUR BOARD FINANCES.

THE financial position of the Foxton Harbour Board is causing members a little uneasiness, by reason of a drop in revenue from shipping dues. As is well 'known only one vessel is engaged in regular trade to the port, but owing to stress of weather and other drawbacks it has been impossible for the steamer to maintain a continuous service during the past year—hence a fallingoff in the principal source of the Board’s revenue. Whether the steamer is suitable to work the port is a point we' are not qualified to discuss. There is, however, sufficient freight offering to justify increased shipping between Wellington, Lyttelton and Foxton, which should be profitable to owners of vessels of suitable draught to negotiate the bar and river channel. Unless shipping improves the Board will be forced to strike a rate lo meet administrative expenses, and interest and sinking fund on loans. If a rate is struck, seven-eights of the levy will fall upon Foxton ratepayers and oncieighth upon the re mainder of the Board’s area. This is a serious position for Foxton to face but there is consolation in the fact that, in case of such a contingency a commission would be set up to spread the levy on a -more equitable basis. It is impossible toy the Board to further curtail administrative expenditure without endangering efficient control and (he only hope for improvement lies in evolving ways and means to increase shipping.