FOXTON HARBOUR.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 225, 16 June 1908, Page 8

FOXTON HARBOUR.

[ i DEPUTATION TO THE PREMIER. A NON-COMMITTAL REPLY. (by telegraph.—special correspondent.) Palmcrston North, June 15. A deputation of .the following delegates met the Premier at the: Grand Hotel to-day, in conncction with improvements to. Fox ton HarbourMcssts. J. Stevens, M.P., W. T. Wood,' M.P., F. j. Lethbridgo, M.P., H.. J. Richards (Horowhenua); ,W. Walker (Bulls), B. Gower (Mayor of Foxton), G? Nowman (Marton Chamber of Commerce), F. W. Frankland and P. Hennessy (Foxton Chamber of Commerce), J. G. Wilson (Manawatu County Council), J. A. Nash (Mayor of Palmerston), Pastor Rica (Dannevirke), Burnett (Woodyille), W. J. B. Trewin (Mayor of Feilding), A. H. Atkinspn, and J. W. Bramwell (Feilding Chamber of Commerce).

Mr. J. Stevens, M.P., introduced the delegates. ' Ho' stated that the matter of a harbour board was not one for Foxton alone, but for the whole district. The proper purpose for the railway wharf dues was to provide money for keeping the river open so that shipping should have better facilities. At present it was quite a common thing for vessels to beistuck in the Manawatu Rivor. In 1854 he sailed into the Rangitikei River, and vessels used then to como in, but now one could hardly get a Maori canoe up tho river. The same thing must happen at Foxton; if the river was,not kept open. - If a .harbour board was formed, and the funds 'properly expended there would be no cause for alarm. A dredgo should be continuously at work.' At present the railway authorities? take all the. shipping dues, and thero is no money to keep the harbour open. A fow years ago there was some dredging done and the Railway Department. got enough metgl to ballast six miles of rail, and- they also sold a considerable amount of metal. Thero was no reason'why the'existing wrong should continue/as the .district was growing more and more important. The port was ono of the best centres for tho distribution of coal forthe West' Coast; the demand was even increasing; and a good port'at Foxton would increase'the. demand for coal from the State mines. " Timber was also pouring down from the Main Trunk lino, and could be shipped at Foxton. Some engineer should bo placed in-charge—if the Railway Department was to continue to receive. these dues—to watch the action ,of the river. Mr. Hennessy. asked that the Foxton wharf be put on the same footing as Patea and Wanganui ports. Tho port had been' sadly neglected. It was not lighted at night, and sands were drifting in. He pointed out tho cheapness with which- goods could bo carried via "Foxton, and as the. lino -to Palmerston was flat one engino could haul as much'as three from Wanganui. Mr. Bennett (Woodville) said that his district appreciated any movoment that would bonefit tho port, and was-in sympathy with the proposals,-but the local bodies-in his districts would not consent to bo rated. . REPLY BY THE PREMIER. The Premier said a deputation had previously waited upon him. Tho position was not such an easy ono. The Railway Department certainly took the revenue,, but it had- supplied the capital at the initial stage, and' had kept up the maintenance for years. He would look, into the, question of Patea and Wanganui,. but tho' difference was that they kept the wharves going for many yoars before, asking for assistance. If they wanted to make a good harbour they should h'avo an estimate of tho cost of makihg_ a'proper harbour. If they hoped to equip by the Railway Department handing jover the shipping dues, ■it was a very "wrong way to look at tho question. Tho Government would look into tho matter of Wanganui and Patea. They-had other railway' wharves in' New Zealand, and tho Government would havo to bo careful boforo-

handing the dues over. If the cost of cleaning tho river was ascertained, and, the Histricts showed- a disposition !to assist themselves, then the Government might assist.' Tho.matter'was too important for him to givo an off-hand reply) but it would receive careful, consideration, and a reply would bo sent through tho member for. tho district. Many other harbour boards had taken heavy responsibility before asking for assistance. He appreciated the strength of the deputation, and its earnest desire. .- The Mayor thanked tho Premier for meeting the deputation. The .Premier left by tho evening train for Mart'on.