WESTPORT HARBOUR.

Grey River Argus, 24 August 1928, Page 7

WESTPORT HARBOUR.

DEPUTATION TO MINISTERS. Request for Dredge and Engineer. (Special to Argus.;* WELLINGTON, August-25. This morning a dtpuiuiiou ihUxviewed Mr Coates end JSir Francis B.eil (Minister of Marine) regaruiag Westport Harbour. The deputation was introduced by Air 11. E. Holland, M.P. and consisted of Hull. Mclntyre (Buller County Council), Messrs J. C. Brown and A. liamiliun (Westport Coal Coy), G. G. Townsend (West-port-Stockton Coal Coy). F. Redpcib. (Westport Main Coal Coy), F. S. Tulia (Union (Steamship Coy), vV. Rogers (Anchor Shipping Line;, \V. U.uke (Sea.es and i’acinc Ltd.), and V. Whittle and J, Mcßiluc v cst Coast Miners), and J. 11. ilaiKues-s (Mayor cf Westport). The deputation asked ror cL.ctivv dredging 'tot make the harbour permanently workable, and that a Resident Murine Engineer be appointed. A bucket dredge was also asked fur and also local representation on ‘ho Advisory Board. The speakers were Messrs Holland, Mclntyre, Brown, Townsend, .Falla, Whittle, Redpath. Rogers, and Harkness .

Sir Francis Bell replied at some length, lie contended that I'ie Government could not be held responsible for the bar silting up. He promised consideration of the request for a bucket dredge, and, said that the appointment or a Marine Engineer was being considered by’ the Cabinet. He would not promise loqal representation on the Advisory Board. Mr Coates endorsed Sir Francis Bell’s statement.