Westport’s tug reprieved?

Press, 7 July 1977, Page 2

Westport’s tug reprieved?

Westport reporter The Minister of Transport (Mr McLachlan) will reconsider the sale of the Westport harbour tug James O’Brien. , . I He made this decision on Tuesday evening after discussions with two deputations protesting against the proposed sale of the tug. An advertisement calling for tenders had already been placed in the national press and there was widespread interest in the vessel. A deputation from the Merchant Officers’ Guild met the Minister for 30 minutes at 4 p.m. on Tuesday while the Westport Harbour Advisory Committee had a half-hour meeting starting at 5 p.m. The Minister was most sympathetic and said that the submissions put before him'

had given him a better in-j sight into the need for a tug: J at Westport. .1 The Minister said that he] j I was not only concerned: I about safety on the roads: J and in the air but also safety! . Jat sea. •I Members of the Westport : Harbour Advisory Committee deputation — Messrs W. An- ; drew, W. J. Mumm, S. G. i O’Keefe, and W. D. Benjai min — were most happy with • the results of their endeavours. They returned to West- ■ port yesterday. : The Union Steam Ship : Company, Ltd, added its ■ weight to the harbour advis- ' ory deputation by sending a • senior official. The Merchant Officers’ ■ Guild deputation included ; Captains N. Reeves and P. HGinley, of Westport.