PICTON WHARF CHARGES

Marlborough Express, Volume XLV, Issue 57, 8 March 1911, Page 5

PICTON WHARF CHARGES

AN INFLUENTIAL MEETING

DEPUTATION TO WAIT ON THE

MINISTER

Our Picton correspondent writes as follows: —

In connection with the threatened new -wharf charges, a joint meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, members of the Borough Council, and Sounds settlers was held in the Borough Council Chambers last evening. Dr Redman (Mayor) was in the chair, and apologised for the absence of Mr G. Maitland, who was indisposed. The Chairman briefly outlined the object of the meeting, which was to decide what form the deputation of protest should take, when meeting Mr Millar (Minister for Railways), who is expected in Picton very short-" ly. It was Hoped .that when he did arrive a large number of residents of Picton and the Sounds would be ready to meet him. As if these charges were once levied it would be very detrimental to the town, and in fact to the whole district. The Chairman also briefly stated what had been done previously in connection with, this matter, and read a letter from Mr J. Duncan, M.P.y on the question. Mr Greensill said he hoped that speakers would be chosen, and they should arrange what arguments to bring forward, so that time could be saved and the ground not be covered twice. The old Provincial Government granted the present concessions, which had been continued down to the present day. This showed that the Government had considered it right and just that the settlers should hare these concessions, /fo impose these charges nowwas 'as Tin-' just as to place a, turnpike on the road, as'the Sounds were the settlers' roads. As for the upkeep .of the small wharves, the receipts from the launches should be sufficient for this. It would require a man both day and night to collect these wharfage charges, and the trouble and expense would in the long run mean a loss to the Government, as the trade would be diverted elsewhere. The settlers had telephones, but they had to pay for them, and taking everything into consideration it was only, fair that this highway should be left free. Mr Greensill considered that the settlers were in a worse condition now, as the tracks were not being improved, and the settlers . had to keep them in repair, themselves.

Mr Fell thought that a Sounds representative should be among the speakers.

Mr Johnson said that the majority of the settlers would be with the Picton body. One point might be made to advantage. Anyone from the Sounds who brought sheep was~ handicapped with 6d a head, against £d on the road. The settlers at the present day were more handicapped, than was the ease years ago. Then the Government were making and forming -tracks, but now this had been discontinued, and the settlers themselves had to keep them in re-

Mr G. Johnson, Mahau, said that the charges vn sheep would he a serious handicap, and would mean trade going elsewhere, and it was nearly certain that if ihese charges Were once put on they would never oomp off. The Government was supposed to be "tack blocks Government," but the settlers had no bridges, no roads, and no conveniences, and now the Government wanted to impose these charges.

To bring things to a head, Mr Fell moved the following motion: —"That Dr Redman, Mr Harwood, one representative from the Sounds settlers and a member of the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce, preferably the president, should net as the spokesmen of the deputation." He hoped thai as many members of the Sounds Settlers' Association as possible would be present also. Another meeting would be held, and ali arguments could be brought, forward and tabulated.

Mr Greensill seconded the motion, ■which was unanimously carried. Mr "Johnson stated that he had seen Mr J. R. Sharp, of Blenheim, who had informed him that he was in sympathy with., them, and they were holding a meeting of their Chamber, when the matter would bs brought up. Mr H. McCormick thought that four speakers would be ample. They should be sharp, and short arid to the point, as there was no doubt that this imposition was very repugnant to the settlers, and they could be assured of the hearty co-oneration of all in the Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds.

Mr Johnson then moved tho following motion:—"That it be a recommendation from the Sounds settlers nt this meeting that Mr J. A. R. Greensill be appointed to represent the Sounds."

This was seconded'by .Mr Hibberd and carried.

The Chn.; —"-•"' stated that before they parted they must thank those settlers present for their attendance. This concluded the meeting.