FOXTON HARBOUR SCHEME.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9625, 27 September 1911, Page 7

FOXTON HARBOUR SCHEME.

The relation of the Foxton Harbour Bill to tho Feildingj district was considered at a special meeting of the Chamber of Commerco on Monday, a letter being received from Mr D. 11. Guthrie, M.l\, advising that steps be taken to give evidence beforo the Local Bills Comin tteo of Parliament. _ .... Tlio Chairman (Mr F. Pii-iani); sa.icl it had been suggested that Mr H. H Toiluy who had a thorough grasp of tlio 'position, might be induced to represent' the Chamber ia opposition to tho inclusion o[ Feikling in the rating area. Tho speaker understood that the Mayor (Mr E. Qfooubehere) would also give evidence against tho inclusion of Feilding. The action of Mr Harford, Feilding's representative, on the. Foxton Harbour Board, in supporting the rating of Fading for the Harbour Board loan, came in for some • criticism, Mr J. G. C'obbo stating that Mr Harford, as representing Feilding, stood alone in- this respect. The attitude of tho Chamber had bcui consistently against giving, the Foxlon Harbour Board power to nito' the Feilding Borough. \J Mr Goodbchcre expressed astonishment at tho attitude taken up by Mr liavfoi"!, and stated that, ho was going to Wellington to give evidence against the proposed rating. .. ■. Mr H. Tolley said that at one time the Foxton harbour had been of somo benefit in the carrying of goods at a cheaper rate, but almost the whole of that advantage had been lost through the raising of shipping rates. Mr J. W. Bramwcll deprecated the idea of any great increase of trade being gained by the improvement of the Foxton harbour. He had it on reliable authority that tho s.s. Queen of the South could'easily cope with all the trade. Any augmented' demand for accommodation could bo dealt with, for a larger boat was being constructed for the Wellington-Foxton-Patea trade Mr A. 11. Atkinson stated that the port of Foxton had been of use as a- check against excessive railway rates, but there was'very little of that left now. Ho emphasised tho necessity for a protest against the Bill in its present form, The chairman 6aid it was necessary, if Feilding was not excluded _ from the measure, to havo a provision insert.*! giving Feilding ratepayers the right _ to vote against their inclusion in tlio rating area. It was resolved that Mr Tclley be asked to represent the Chamber in opposition to tho Bill, and that it was the Chamber's opinion that tlio representative of Feilding 011 the Foxton Harbour Board was not warranted in stating that his attitudo was supported by anyono in business in tho district.