PATEA HARBOR.
CONSIDERATION 0 FIMPROVEMENTS
At a special meeting of the Patea Harbor Board on Monday, the Chairman expressed the regret of the special compittee, at their inability to bring forward anything of a tangible nature for the consideration of the meeting. The committee had thoroughly considered ■the matter before them, tytt had come to thel conclusion that under the present circumstances, no recommendation bearing on harbor improvements could possibly be made. Everyone was aware that the subject was one that required long and earnest consideration, and that it could not be fully discussed for the benefit of the Board, unless members had before them knowledge based on sound practical experience from which to draw commonsense conclusion. The self-evident truth accounted for the present attitude of Hie committee, in their desire to hold over the report until that particular knowledge was available. In furtherance of the Chairman's explanation, Mr. Barton announced that liis committee had agreed on alt except one important point—as to where the new works were to be placed. This, they had found, involved the question of navigation. To surmount this barrier it had been decided to consult the captains of all boats trading between Patea and other ports. Men like these understood the vagaries of the river, and could, perhaps, form the best estimate of what was required to be done, and of the locality 'wherein the works could be placed to the best advantage. This question had therefore to be studied in the two phases, financial and structural, and from the point of view of navigation. When the committee assembled, to chew the pros and cons, it soon became manifest, that to form any decision and launch any scheme before the Board, ere the opinions of navigation men were obtained would be a highly imprudent and a very shortsighted proceeding. He must sav that the majority of the committee were in favour of the new scheme, but eonld not agree at present as to the right mint for placing the proposed works. They had supported the contention of the engineer—that no expense entailed rould possibly exceed £20,000 or £2i),000. A proposal would undoubtedly be made to the effect that the Board should borrow sufficient to enable existing loans to be paid off. Consolidation of the Hoard's debts was the best way out of the difficulty. The Chairman: "We could pay all interest on the money out of our revenue.'', Mr. Barton: "Quite right." _ _ I The meeting then adjourned it being understood that the committee would consult with the officers using the port I and report later..—Press. .
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Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 285, 24 April 1913, Page 8
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430PATEA HARBOR. Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 285, 24 April 1913, Page 8
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