BOAT FOR FOXTON

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10297, 4 June 1919, Page 2

BOAT FOR FOXTON

CONFERENCE CONSIDERS POSITION. A conference of local bodies in the Manawatu distriot, convened by the Mayor (Mr J. A. Nash, M.P.), was huld at Palmerston North on Monday 'for the purpose of discussing the purchase of a steamer to bring coal into the district through the Foxton Harbour. The following ' representatives were present : Messrs J. A. Nash, M.P. (chairman), E. H Crabb S. K. Lancaster, J. Hodgeus, L.' E. Bryant, T. R. Hodder, and B. Jickel (Palmerston North Borough Council); Messrs J. Linklater, M. A. Moodie, D. Collis, and Wood (Kairanga County Council); Mr J. Hennessey (Foxton Harbour Board); Mr Hillier (.Shannon borough Council); Mr J. Chrystal (Mayor <i Foxton); Mr M. A. Bliott (Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce).;..and Mr M. Perreau (Foxton Chamber of Commerce). ~.',_» Mr Nash, in explaining the object oi the conference, said he had a sh\t time ago at a meeting of the Borough Council brought up the question of the local authorities considering the purchase ol a steamer for the Port of Foxton on account of the great inconvenience with regard to the bringing of coal into tl is district. When the Queen of the .South had been wrecked, Foxton had been left without a boat, and there was no indication that there would be anothor ciubringing coal to the harbour. He v-as quite aware that the time was in opportune for buying a boat, but at. the same time something would have to be done The pre-war price of coal landed in Fo:-: ton was .£1 2s Cd, which with froight and wharfage amounted to .£1 17s JkJ landed in Palmerston. The price to-day was £3 5s 6d. Westport coal had cost £1 Is lOd, to-day it was £2; and State coal had risen from 6s 6d to £2 4s 3d. The freight from Wellington was 12s, but better freights were offering for the South Island and boats had been transferred to that trade. Giving figures tu show the rise in .freight between Foxton and Wellington, 'the speaker said the freight was in pre-war times 5s 6d; it was now 10s Cd from Foxton to Wellington, and 16s from Wellington to Foxton It was quite time that some action wao taken. They ought to consider tho rurchase of a steamer if possible to get one, and he was certain it would be found a good investment, One gentleman had expressed his willingness to put in £5<K towards it. The steamer would probably cost .£Btt>o to .£IO,OOO, which was a large amount of money,', but when the Foxton Harbour' BdSrd had purchased its "dredge, they would be able to tako boats with a much deeper draught. He thought a committee could be set up to see "the scheme wer feasible at all. It was their duty in representing the people of the district to make the port a paying proposition. While he was prepared to e limit there had been a good deal of trouble over the port, it was a good port and able to do all that was required as fur as this district was concerned. 'After others had spoken Mr Nash moved 'that•" a 'committee- consisting of himself and Messrs Chrystal,; Hennessey, Bock Crabb, Linklater. and Hhott be set up with instructions to bring down a report as soon as possible on the whole question with regard to arranging for shipping or the purchase of a steamer. The motion was carried unanimously.