HAURAKI HARBOUR SCHEME.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 221, 17 September 1919, Page 7

HAURAKI HARBOUR SCHEME.

ENDORSED AT THAMES. (By Telegraph.—Own Corvesponaent.) THAMES, this day. The harbour scheme lanned by Mr. Elair Mason received further impetus last nifiht, when a deputation from local bodies advocating the scheme addressed a meeting of Thames people. Mr. Cooper (delegate from Piako) stated that the present dairy output->ot two million acres of rich land in the valley of the Thames River was 12,282 tone* annually, valued at £1,683,919. With other farm products the export from the Kauraki Harbour district was at present three millions sterling. The railing of this dairy produce on an aver age of 120 miles to Auckland cost farmers £9nlO last year, as against £3075 for railing 40 miles, the average distance to Thames Harbour, or the annual saving on dairy produce alone would be £534. Mr. Claxton (Thames), speaking of the financial aspect, said the revenue required to provide for maintenance, interj est and sinking fund on capital outlay, (including, a dredge, would be £11,000 i per annum. He quoted figures to show that on the present population and output this sum could be raised by ordinary I revenue without need to collect a rate. The Mayor of Thames explained the proposed rating system over the whole harbour district which would lie necessnrv u<; security for the loan. This provides" for differential rating, according to the benefit received. Thames borough and county, of course, were most heavily rated, while Waihi borough and Piako county were least heavily rated. The meeting carried a resolution, •'That this mooting heartily endorse* Mr. Blair Mason's Haurnki district harbour scheme, and promises the hrartiest support in carrying it into operation." The delegates left this morning for Piieroa. where a meeting will be addressed this afternoon, ancl they will then I go on to Waihi for an evening meeting. iTo Aroha, Waiton. and Hauraki Plains j will be visited later.