THE ESTUARY.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20083, 12 November 1930, Page 13

THE ESTUARY.

—.— PROFESSOR HORNELL'S REPORT. GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY REFUSED The Government has refused to graut a subsidy of up to £2OOO to the funds of the Port Christchurch League, to enable it to get a report on the Port Christchurch scheme from Professor P. G Hornell, the Swedish engineer. The reason given for the refusal is that the Government must restrict subsidies to essential services because of financial stringency. The information is contained in a letter' received by Mr "ii. J. Howard., M.P., from the Acting-Prime Minister

(the Hon. E. A. IJanson)), 'which reads: "With reference to the deputation representing the Port'' Christchurch League which you introduced t recently to the Hon. Minister for Pubiic Works in connexion with the application -for an added subsidy up to £.2000 to enable., a detailed report . on the Christ-, church port scheme to be obtained from Professor Hornell, the matter has been carefully considered, but the Govern ment regrets it is; unable to accede to the League's request. "In this connexion I have to point out that the Government has already subsidised to the extent of £IOOO the cost of a Commission which recently investigated the same scheme, but--in view of the financial stringency at present the Government is compelled to restrict as far as possible further gTants- • and subsidies to services; of ; an essen-' tial nature only. "It is also considered. Inappropriate that the Government should be called upon.to further subsidise funds for any proposal for local works, which may. have a deleterious effect, ujion the finan-

cial operations of Government railways in the vicinity and cause an increased loss ot' public money for which ■ fhe general ratepayer will be responsible. - Mr Howard remarked yesterday that the Minister had apparently not understood the difference between the tunnel road, project, and thp Estuary siche'iiie. "It seems that we will have to find the money locally," commented Dr. H, T. J. Thacker. ' "Professor Hornell. has seen the Estuary, arid he can quite easily give a report from Sweden. It would b« a pity to allow the opportunity to go by.'' The chairman of the League (Mr C. S. McCully) declined to mako a<iy statement beyond saying tluit the letter would, be considered at a meting of the League to be'held next week.