HARBOR MATTERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 August 1918, Page 6

HARBOR MATTERS.

DISCUSSED BY EGMONT' COUNTY COUNCIL. At the meeting of tlie Egmont County Council on Tuesday, tho proposed harbor improvements at New Plymouth and the need for a port at Opunake were discussed. The subject was introduced by a paragraph in the report of the county engineer, who reported that if the s.s. Arapawa ceased calling at Opunake with goods there would be a considerame increase of tonnage passing over the main roads in future. The Eltham Road would probably suffer most, as that would be the cheapest way in for the goods. This road was already oue of the busiest about the district, and passed through low-rated country, and he suggested that as the Government would not give the district a railway and the shipping companies could not call owing to new regulations issued by the Admiralty, the time had arrived when the council should ask the Government to grant some ssistneea towadrs the maintenance of the road. The chairman said that if the steamers stopped coming to Opunake there was no doubt the roads, would ountr. Whether the stuff came from New Plymouth or Eltham, it lal had to be caited over the Eguiont roads. He understood that a contract had been signed to put the Opunoko wharf in repair and thought that when that was done the Northern Steam Ship Company might allow their vessel to call. Failing that, he thought by united action the merchants interested might induce some other vessel to make regular trips. He then briefly referred to the proposed harbor improvement scheme for New Plymouth, contending time some of the proposals should be. given effect to at onte. He had not the slightest doubt, as Captain Chudleigh had stated, once protection from northerly gales was provided, that nearly all the produce in Taranaki would be shipped through Tsxvr .i'iyicottih. He considered that the council should pass a resolution approving of the scheme and reeomniendirrtf the New Plymouth Harbor Board to carry out a portion of it as soon as feasible. Boats of 8000 and 9000 tons, he said, had already berthed at New Plymouth, and as soon as vessels; of 10,000 and 12,000 tons could be berthed in all weathers large quantities of manure could be obtained, and as time went on theße would be increasingly necessary. Cr. Harvey moved that the Egmont County Council approve of the New Plymouth Harbor Board scheme and recommend that the Harbor Board provide protection for the north as suggested byCaptain Chudleigh, as early as possible. Ho considered the council should support this, pointing out that the final decision would be left to the ratepayers. Cr. Green seconded. Cr. O'Brien said that he must propose an amendment. If they requested New Plymouth Harbor Board to carry out certain things, New Plymouth would look to them to assist in financing them. The chairman: And so we will in the north end.

Cr. O'Brien objected to Opunake being included. Opunake was not prepared to support a scheme from which it derived no benefit. By law they were oat of the New .Plymouth district, and were not subject to its rates, and he objected to the council inviting New Plymouth to includo them. The council should oppose the New Plymouth scheme and endeavor to get a port at Opunake. They were already saddled with heavy expense through having no port, ana their roads having to hear extra wear and tear through extra cartage on the road?. 'The settlers had only, after strenuous efforts, got out of the '\c\t •Plymouth district; and he considered the council should he neutral. Possibly from Puniho to Rahotu might approve of the 'scheme, but he objected to any attempt being made to introduce the win end of the wedge, so a3 to tie them to the Now Plymouth Harbor Board. He, therefore, moved as an amendment that the council take no steps in the matter until further information is available as to its desirability.

Cr. JPXeill seconded. Ho knew ai! taxes were obnoxious He was certain that South Taranaki would never agree to support the scheme, and prominent men had aaid that no South Taranaki produce would ever be shipped through New Plymouth. He considered there was no doubt that when the war was over Opunake would have a port.

The chairman stated that he was always in favor of a jetty for Opunake. In fact, it was with that object in view that the Kgmont County had been formed, and he was one of the movers in that direction. The people here had no faith in that district, as was evidenced by the fact that they had turned down the Harbor Board proposal. Cr. O'Brien: Yes, wo have. The poll did not turn the question down finally, only until after the war. The chairman: That shows the majority have no- faith in their district. Continuing, he. said that if their produce did not go tlirough New Plymouth it would not get away- from Opunake

In the course of further discussion, thechairmon stated'that though, residing outside the Opunake Harbor Disin«, lie had signed the guarantee in connection with the purchase, and' repair- off the jetty. Cr. O'Brien, thought-, that the. tendency of' the shipping- coinpauies' would! be to load' their boats at Auckland 1 and; Wellington, instead' of' sending- ttemi smaller- ports,, audi thus- save. time. Th<v chainnaa: : lianft inafcfr any- mis-, take.. As soon- as shelter- is; p.r.Qßi<kd',. i boats of 12,000, 14,000 and! lftOOOi tons!will visit #ew Plymouth.. I The. amendnienk waft-then* pufc audi ear--ried.

Cr. Sinclair-theib moyedi tjiafe yo>ct>unrcihaak the Government for.- a>„ aujisjdy.' toi the roads, as- these, would; "hwf&tptc&crj/ all heavy traffic, owing, toithev AdJmJaJty;'order.

This- \V4B seconded! by, CV.. HBJSfcilll and' 'carried: