GOVERNMENT FROWNS ON CENTRALISATION OF SHIPPING FACILITIES

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6849, 2 March 1929, Page 9

GOVERNMENT FROWNS ON CENTRALISATION OF SHIPPING FACILITIES

As Matter of Policy SMALL PORTS SERVING VERY USEFUL PURPOSE NAPIER RELIEVED. Per Press Association. NAPIER, Last Night.

An important declaration of government policy in regard to harbour control was made by the Prime Minister to-night, when replying to a local deputation.

“As a matter of policy, the government will not support any proposal for the centralisation of shipping at main ports to the detriment of smaller ports,” declared Sir Joseph Ward. “The matter has been before Cabinet and we fcavo come to that decision. I am personally opposed to it. Tho harbours, other than the main ones, are serving a very useful purpose to the districts to which they belong. To have them turned into stalemate harbours and to concentrate on main ports would bo detrimental.

“As a matter of policy, it would be injurious to the country. The government does not favour it and I am convinced tho House would not, even if the government did. “Before he attended the Harbodr boards conference, the Minister of Marino was instructed to oppose any scheme of centralisation.” Mr. W. E. Barnard, M.P. for Napier, said the Prime Minister’s announce-, ment was very satisfactory. It would allay a feeling of unrest in tho public mind.