PORT AHURIRI SLIPWAY

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 63, 24 February 1934, Page 4

PORT AHURIRI SLIPWAY

Lack of Facilities Deplored

TRAWLERS SENT TO GISBORNE The lack of slipping facilities at the Port, which has necessitated several trawlers having to be sent to Gisborne, was strongly criticised by the Port Ahuriri Ratepayers’ Association last night.

“I understand that the board is considering sending the J.D.O. to Gisborne to be slipped when it should be done here,’’ said Mr A. Sheehan. “I also understand that it is not in a fit condition to go to sea. Mr Northey has leased the slipway area from the Harbour Board, and the least that can be done for him is to give him access to enable him to carry on work that should be done at the Port. Already four or five trawlers have been sent to Gisborne, which is, to say the least, a crying shame. The people of Napier don’t realise the amount of money that is being lost to Napier through the action of the Harbour Board. With the exception of a special class of twine everything used by the trawlers is purchased at Napier. “Tt has been said that commercial men make the best members of local bodies. They may make a success of their business, but when it comes tn spending ratepayers' money it seems lo be a different matter. It costs about £OO to send a vessel to Gisborne, while two days’ travelling is necessary.’’ * Mr H. Anderson stated that the trawling industry was at one time worth £42,000 a year to Napier, but It. had gone back considerably of late

owing to the lack of facilities. When he met the Bt. Hon. J. G. Coates the morning that he arrived by aeroplane to inspect the Port, Mr Coates stated then that the trawling industry was one that had to bo looked after, and he gave an ass-.ir-ncc that shelter for small craft, would be reinstated. There was no doubt that instructions were given for something to be done, but the board bad failed to do so. ’lr Bernard had promised to use every endeavour to have something done, but nothing of this matter hud since been heard from him. Mr D. Mcßae thought that there must have been some misunderstand ing The chairman. Mr P. Mooney, said nothing personal was meruit, and it was finally decided to request the liar hour Board to take steps to make slip way facilities ainilable by pmtinc <»• Aniti >.m- ’ mote when it’s SHAHLAND’S VINEGAR Pure, piquant, full-flavoured Ideals tor Saluda, sauces and pickle*, la bottle or bulk.