REPORT ADOPTED

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIX, Issue 283, 14 November 1929, Page 3

REPORT ADOPTED

HARBOUR BOARD DISCUSSION MR. JOLL SPEAKS IN SUPPORT. RECLAMATION A BIG TOPIC. A most interesting review of the activities of the Napier Harbour Board during the past year was given in the annual report presented to the board by the chairman, Mr. A. E. Jull, yesterday, and which appeared in last night's issue of the “Tribune.” In opening the discussion which took place when the report was considered by members, Mr. J. H. Joll said he was glad to see that things were moving at the Inner Harbour but he hoped that in the future they would move much faster. HS wanted to see the Inner Harbour pushed on and completed within five years. The reclamation had been a most satisfactory achievement and was benefitting Napier considerably. He was of opinion that reclaiming the ponds should be concentrated on because while the eyesore remained Napier could not progress. The ponds area would make available a large number of allotments for the extension of Napier. In regard to the reading for the 28-acre block, he said, the new proposals by the council meant that the estimates would be exceeded by £2,000. The board could not afford to go on exceeding its estimates any more than it could afford to make things retrospective. It was a pity that the council could not see its way to modify its demands. He contended that the removal of the dredge was for the purpose of carrying out more urgent work. If it was not intended to go on with the Breakwater, he considered that all unnecessary expenditure on it should be stopped. He was anxious for progress and reminded members that he had gone on to the board with a mandate to support the Inner Harbour. Mr. Joll then moved that the chairman's report be adopted; this was seconded by Mr. Lyon. POINT OF ORDER. Mr. Higgins said ho would like to see a report from the engineer on the Eastern Pier and how much remained to be done to complete it to the original plans. In regard to the 92 acres, the Commission decided that the most desirable place for Napier to expand was across the river. The board had a duty in providing land for the expansion of Napier. Mr. Jull: At any price? Mr. Higgins, continuing, stated that Napjpr could absorb, according to the Commission, 130 sections a year. In two years the 28-acre block would be absorbed. “If I had the ordering of the board’s policy —” he said. Mr. Lyon : You won’t. Mr. Higgins: It is unfortunate for the board. Mr. Lyon: You are suffering from acute modesty. Mr. Higgins proceeded to deal with the 92-acre block when Mr. Lyon rose to a point of order. Mr. Higgins: I seem to be unfortunate in being interrupted with points of order and interjections. It puts me off my track. Mr. Jull: That is a shame! Mr. Higgins then continued to press the need for further reclamation, stating that Napier’s interests were identical with those of the board. If the proposal to stop reclamation across the river was carried it would put Napier in the same position of land hunger as it had been in for years past. Mr. Jull: You are saying nothing about reclamation on the town side of the river. The Awatoto block is nearer to the town than the 92 acres. Mr. Higgins: But that is not for borough expansion. If your policy is pursued Napier will be without any land at all for expansion iu two years’ time. Mr. Eriksen said that a great deal had been done with reclamation. He considered that the board was to be congratulated upon its activities in the last 12 months in making areas available for settlement. Mr. Goodger said that a lot of time had been spent in reaching a decision in regard to reading the 28-acro block. The Borough Council was prepared to make a substantial sacrifice to get the 92-acre block reclaimed and settled and he thought that the council should be just as willing to assist in getting the 28-acro block available. The council should be prepared to meet the board and not exact the same conditions as it would from a syndicate cutting up lands from speculative purposes. Sir. Jull stressed the great work that the board had done with reclamation for the benefit of Napier. The chairman’s report was then adopted.