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WESTPORT PROGRESS COMMITTEE.

The Progress Committee met yesterday afternoon. The members present were Messrs Alcorn, Milne, Field, Humphrey, and Tyler. Mr Alcorn was appointed chairman. The Chairman, as a member of the deputation appointed to wait upon the Provincial Secretary, Mr Greenfield, reported that the deputation had, in the first instance, made inquiries with regard to the track to Giles Terrace. They had represented that it was, in reality, part of the Caledonian track, for which an amount had been voted ; and Mr Greenfield stated that, if that were the case, there would be no difficulty, and that he would visit the district. It was explained to him that the amount required would be small, and, as there was a considerable surplus of the amouut voted for the Caledonian track, there should be no difficulty in procuring the necessary funds. With reference to the river protection, Mr Greenfield had, of course, explained that he could say nothing definite. Although he would promise anything, the deputation had reason to suppose that, if such an amount as £4OOO or £6OOO would be sufficient for the purpose, the Government would take steps to obtain it. It was proposed by the deputation that the General Engineer, Mr Balfour, might be obtained to report upon the character of the works necessary, and Mr Greenfield thought that the suggestion was a good one, and had promised to represent the matter to the Superintendent. The deputation referred to the money required for the road in the Buller valley, and Mr Greenfield said that of course the money had been voted, but there was the one obstacle that the Government was now short of funds. However, they had already got £4OOO, and were to receive £6OOO more, which would so far reduce the overdraft. There was some mention made of the Buller coal-fields, but of course he said the Government could do nothing in the matter. Mr Greenfield further expressed himself desirous of receiving suggestions from the Progress Committee, either through the deputation, or at any other time. He was about to pro-

ceed to Greymouth, and, if anything could be brought under his notice on his return, he would be glad to hear of it. Mr Tyi/er asked if, in the matter of river protection, the deputation had reason to believe that anything would be done immediately The Chairman understood that if the cost of the works did not exceed £4OOO, or £SOOO, or £6OOO, they would be undertaken immediately. Mr Humphrey: That, of course, depended upon the report of the engineer.

The Chairman said they had represented to Mr Greenfield that the Province was in as good a state as any other Province in the Colony; and that, of course, he did not deny, but the Government were desirous of not undertaking any responsibility which they could not meei. Mr Tyler had noticed in the paper that the Provincial Engineer Lad expressed the opinion that another heavy flood might be expected in January. If thatjwere likely to bethecase,itwas very important to have the bank protected in the meantime. The drainage was prospective now, but if much more ground were washed away there would be a large amount of actual damage done to the property of section-holders, and any protective works should, in anticipation of that contingency, be undertaken before the January flood occurred.

The Chairman said that, from what Mr Blackett had stated, he would infer that even if immediate steps, were taken they would not prevent further damage. Mr Tyxer : The engineer did not explain to the Committee the description of works he proposed to construct. The Chairman : Be did not. The Committee suggested some schemes which might answer the purpose. One was the filling of a vessel with stones, and sinking her ; another was to construct crates. He seemed to approve of these, but he seemed to think that it was a matter for serious consideration, and was not prepared to give an opinion at once. Mr Tyler understood that Mr Lowe, the District Engineer, had estimated the cost of some works which might answer the purpose, at£4ooo or £SOOO.

Mr Pi eld believed thought that estimate related only to a breakwater, and not to the protection of the banks. Mr Tyler thought that if such a work could be made subsidiary to those projected by Mr Blackett, it might be undertaken at once.

Mr Mii/nte thought there was little use in anything being done until a breakwater were constructed. He thought Mr Blackett fully agreed with the opinion as to the necessity of a breakwater, but he was not decided as to the exact plans to be adopted. For his own part, he (Mr Milne) thought that a much smaller sum than £SOOO would be sufficient.

The Chairman took the opinion of the meeting as to whether the committee could do anything further in the matter.

Mr Tyler suggested that, on the next visit of the Provincial Secretary and Engineer, it might be pointed out to them that Mr Lowe's proposal might be made subsidiary to any greater works, and undertaken at once. There was no doubt that much property was in serious danger at present, and it was almost imperative to go to some outlay.

The Chairmak said that the only other business was the election of a Chairman.

Mr Humphrey, seconded by Milke, proposed Mr Tyler; and Mr Tyler was unanimously elected. There was a conversation on the subjects of a Municipality, and of ocean steamers calling at the port. Mr Tyler suggested that, with regard to such a subject as a Municipality, it would be well to discuss it carefully. It was an important question, and one with regard to which there was considerable diversity of opinion. It would be preferable, therefore, that a notice of motion should be given, and that the subject should be delibeately considered. The meeting was then adiourned.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WEST18681128.2.7

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 415, 28 November 1868, Page 2

Word count
Tapeke kupu
983

WESTPORT PROGRESS COMMITTEE. Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 415, 28 November 1868, Page 2

WESTPORT PROGRESS COMMITTEE. Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 415, 28 November 1868, Page 2

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