PORT MOLYNEUX.

Otago Witness, Issue 2817, 4 March 1908, Page 40

PORT MOLYNEUX.

PROPOSED HARBOUR BOARD. Referring to the proposed Port Molyneux Harbour Board, the district to comprise the Counties of Bruce and Chitha and the Boroughs of Milton, Beiolutha, and Kaitangato, the representation to be two members each from the counties, one from each of the boroughs, and two nominated by the Government, and in connection with which a deputation waited upon the Hon. Mr Millar at Eaitangata on February 24, the Clutha Leaders says: "The idea evidently is that the proposed new board shall supersede the present River Board, and have- control of the steamer traffic and the endowments. These latter are worth at present about £800 a year with a probable increase to £1000, which, if if is agreed to borrow for harbour works, will no doubt represent a capital of about £20,000. In addition to thie there will, of course, be rating powers over the district. There is a talk of a training wall at Coal Point, but rte note that the NZ. Coal and Oil Company, who are at -present developing a sea-borne trade lin ooal, ask Cor no heavy expenditure. The bar at present elves 61$ at low tide and 12ft at high water, and this with proper wharf facilities at Eaitangata., is apparently all that is required until the trade is developed into much larger proportions than present indications appear possiiy*., The.

River Board, or Haibour Board, is quite justified in doing everything in il6 power to assist in the development of the coal trade but we do not think that any expenditure beyond that will be warranted. There are great difficulties in the way, even looking at the matter in its most favourable aspect. The river has changed its outlet in the past, and there is no guarantee that it may not do so again. Moreover, tye effects of a training wall at Ooal Point must be carefully considered. The settlers cxn tK« lower lands are not likely to odflfcent to any works with the idea of scouring out the bar, which will result in contracting the natural cutlet of the river. And, on the other hand, there is the contingency that such works may have the effect of lessening the flow of. water out at Coal Point and diverting a greater body of water, along the branch at the bottom of the Island to the outlet near Port Molyneux. The settlers of the district, and particularly those interested in the steamer traffic, will certainly not readily agree to the endowments being utilised in hazardous and costly undertakings that art doubtful of ultimate success. For one thing they are not necessary to meet the requirements of the trade likely to be developed, or warranted by the conditions of the river between the bar and an^y point of embarkation. Of course, the project owes its origin largely to dissatisfaction with the management of the Otago Harbour Board and the possibility of the country districts being rated for it. But the people are at present being rated indirectly for Otago Harbour, and it is" at present the harbour of Otago and is likely to continue so. With adequate representation of the country districts on the Otago Harbour Board it is probable the objections would not be so strenuous as they appear to be."

The amounts of the grants made to officers in connection with the late Exhibition were as follow: — Mr Munro, £100; Mr -Clark, £75; Messrs Pollard, Collins, and Righton, £25 each. In addition, bonuses were paid to several departmental officers by their respective departments for special work.