FOXTON HARBOUR BOARD

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3810, 26 June 1928, Page 2

FOXTON HARBOUR BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING. The usual monthly meeting of the Foxton Harbour Board was held in the secretary’s office yesterday afternoon, presided over by Mr J. Linklater, M.P. Also present were Messrs J. A. Nash, ALP., E. R. B. Ilolhen, AI. Alortensen, IT. Berry, -T. Chrystall, W. E. Barber and the secretary (Mr R. Rangi-

heuea). An apology for absence was received from Air A. J. Kellow. GRAB DREDGE.

The Chairman reported that- ho hud discussed the question of removal of the grab dredge with the contractor for the Shannon Bridge. He was of opinion that it would lie hotter for the contractor to inspect the dredge instead of Board members. Air W. E. Barber said the dredge was in danger of tilting and tip ping over. He had asked the bridge contractor to jack the structure up in the meantime. Air J. A. Nash said the Board would have to shift the dredge as soon as possible. The Chairman was given full power to act in connection with the dredge. SEA BEACONS. A letter was received from Messrs Levin and Co., Ltd., asking the Board to have a red flag placed on the lower sea beacon when vessels were entering the port. —The Secretary reported that the matter had already received attention,. STORAGE ON SUGAR. Air IT. Osborne waited on_ the Board with a request for free storage in the Board’s shed in connection with sugar shipments. It was decided to allow consignees seven days’ free storage on sugar, after which a further seven days’ grace will be allowed on two tons, provided space be not required by the Board. Should space be required it will be optional for the owner to either send labour to raise tiers or pay storage; all sugar to he al risk of owner; the arrangement to be cancelled on one month’s no(iee. REPAIRS TO WHARF. The Secretary reported that repairs were necessary to the wharf owing to damage, sustained to the planking by carts tipping loads on the wharf. The iron-shod projections on the drays considerably damaged the wharf, which necessitated constant attention to the planking. Air Berry suggested that all drays dumping on the wharf should lie compelled to have hardwood buffers fastened along the back of the drays. Members viewed the damage to the wharf, and it was decided to leave the matter in the hands of the local committee.

WHITE’S ROAD. The Chairman reported that he had inspected White’s Road at the seaside, and in his opinion the only material benefit that would be obtained would be by opening up a drain from the river. Mr Barber suggested that the road be filled with sand. The opinion was expressed that a good deal of work could be done by residents in the locality 7 . It was decided to hold the matter over until next meeting. LEDGER ACCOUNTS. The Secretary brought up the question of ledger accounts. He said that a number of firms shipping through the port were in the habit of asking the Board to charge up wharfage to their account. This was causing a considerable amount of office work. Air J. A. Nash suggested that a form be drawn up by the. Secretary similar to that used by the Railway Department and sent out to all people trading with the port. Credit should be limited, and the approximate requirements of firms should be stated beforehand. It was decided that an application form similar to the. Railway Department’s for accounts with the Board be prepared and submitted to the Board for approval, and containing the following: —(1) That all accounts shall be payable weekly; (2) that an estimate of the amount of credit required shall be stated. THE FINANCIAL POSITION. Mr J. Chrystall referred to the financial position of the Board. The overdraft at present stood at £589. He was anxious to know Foxton’s position in the event of a rate being struck by the Board. He understood that under the existing

Act Foxton would have to provide £llß6 out of every £IOOO. There must be some mistake, as this was monstrously unfair. There were two courses open: one was under the original Act to strike a rate, and there was another. He was of opinion that the Board should ascertain the position of affairs. The Chairman suggested obtaining a solicitor’s opinion on the matter. Mr Berry said that the Act provided that in the event of a rate being struck Foxton should provide seven-eighths of the amount, and all the other contributing bodies one-eighth between them. A notice of motion was moved by Mr Chrystall to go into the question of the Board’s finances at next meeting. SECRETARY’S SALARY. A notice of motion moved at last meeting by Mr J. A. Nash, that the Secretary’s salary be reviewed, was dealt with, and it was decided on the motion of Messrs Nash and Linklater, to add £SO per annum to the Secretary’s present salary

of £2OO. Mr Berry opposed the motion on the grounds that the finances of the Board at the present time would not justify an increase in overhead expenses. The motion was carried. ACCIDENT AT JETTY. The Chairman reported that a Beach resident had reported that ho had injured his leg as a result of a fall on the damaged Beach jetty, and suggested that a notice In* erected on the structure notifying the public that it was dangerous. Referred to the Secretary for at- ! ention. LEASES. The following leases were approved : Board to H. Tatana, lot 53; Board to J. R. Hardie, pt. lot 09; Board to ARss C. A. Fabling, lots 10 and 58.