A BUSY PORT

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 70, 16 December 1937, Page 21

A BUSY PORT

Ships At Wharves All The Year Round the inland districts forged ahead in the last century, increased vitality became evident at Foxton. The opening of the railway from Palmerston North made it possible for the sawn timber to be exported, and there was soon a considerable increase in the shipping of the port. The old steamer Napier was replaced by the Jane Douglas a smart little, vessel, and for years the bulk of the passengers from Wellington to Manawatu were conveyed as far as Foxton by this steamer. To-day the Foxton Harbour Board has a thriving port with two wharves and commodious goods sheds. The old wharf is about ICO feet long, and the new wharf, which was built in 1926, is about 182 feet long and is adjacent to two large goods sheds. Ships have no difficulty in berthing, for the wharves have a depth of water ranging from 14 feet to 20 feet. At one time a great quantity of hemp was exported from Foxton, but to-day most of the cargo comprises tallow and wool packs for the South Island. For the financial year ended September 30, 1935, no fewer than 81 coastal vessels, of a total tonnage of 6384, visited the port, and 10,314 tons of cargo were handled —9827 tons inward and 487 tons outward. The assets of the Foxtou Harbour Board are estimated at £14,274, of Which £1227 represents cash assets. The wharves are valued at £4500, buildings and stores at £6179, and vessels at £745. For the year under review, the board received £2160 in revenue. This was made up of £1275 in wharfage, £33 in berthage, and £l3B in port charges. The maintenance of the facilities is closely watched, and the board spent £1466 in this direction. The items included £852 on miscellaneous works and £64 on signal stations and harbour lights.