Foxton Harbour

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 232, 2 October 1935, Page 12

Foxton Harbour

MEETING OF BOARD

The monthly meeting of the Foxton Harbour Board was held on Monday and was presided over by the chairman (Mr J. Linklatcr, M.P.). Also present were Messrs' J. A. M.P., P. W. Goldsmith, Jiio. Ross, H. W. B. Osborne, F. C. Raikos, W. E. Barber and-W. E. Carthcw.

The chairman said that ho would have something to report at the next meeting in regard to the acquiring of native land and the planting of- sand dunes south of tho Manawatu river. Details had not been finalised just yet. Mr Barber said that there was no immediate hurry as th.e tree-planting season had now passed. Everything should be completed in ample time for carrying into effect next winter.

The pilot (Captain C. Yendorc) reported that during the month Robinson's bend had given trouble and there did not seem to be much chance of improving the fairway in the locality. The bar had kept good throughout tho period with a straight channel out to soil. The motor vessel Foxton passed out on the 27th, having been barbound for 13 days through rough seas. The vessel arrived back on the sth on her second trip and stuck at Robinson’s bend. The Buauui arrived on the 6th and also stuck for one day. The Foxton ultimately got to the wharf on the Dili. Botli vessels were then bar-bound for four days owing to rough seas. There were, six arrivals and six departures.. Tho pilot’s launch engine was now working satisfactorily and the hull was fairly tight. The secretary reported that the working account for the month was as follows, the figures for the same month last year being given in parentheses: — Expenditure, £ISS Lis 5d (£ISS 16s lOd). Income, £ISS 15s 2d (£202 7s 7d), showing a credit balance of £3O 3s 9d (£43 10s 9d). Tho local committee was ;>;:tod to confer with the pilot on the. employment of extra Inbour for the erection

of beacons. Proposed Spillway Considerable discussion ensued on the subject of the proposed Whirokiuo spillway. The subject was introduced by a letter from the ManawatuOroua River Board asking the board to be represented on a deputation to wait on the Ministers of Finance and Public Works to urge the necessity for constructing a spillway in the Manawatu river at Hartley's bend as a na-

tional scheme. Mr ,J. A. Nash asked what would the position be as far as tho river fairway was concerned if the scheme was carried into effect. The chairman said the board was anxious that the proposed deputation wait oil the Ministers as soon as possible as it was anticipated that, if delayed any longer they vould not be able to “catch tho Ministers' ear” m tho rush of the session wash-up business. Ho had arranged to introduce tho deputation on Wednesday, October 9. The proposal was how for a spillway which would allow sufficient water in tho river to keep the existing fairav open.

Mr F. C. E-uikes: Vve know very little of what the effect of a spillway would be. It is really a matter for expert opinion. Mr Jno. Ross said that lie could claim to know as much about the river as possibly anyone else, gained from seven years’ almost daily navigation of the upper reaches, lie had been deputed to represent the Foxton Borough Council on the deputation. Personally, he ' was opposed to the spillway in every way. The scheme would be useless as the proposed work was to be carried out too near the sen and almost at sea level. If the scheme was proceeded with he intended, ou behalf of the Manawatu River- Service, lo enter an injunction against ihe river board for interfering with tie: navigation of the river. . .

Mr Goldsmith said the board should take “the same, stand on this matter as it did before. The chairman; Our former decision was in connection with the cut. This is a spillway proposal now. Our concern’ is only as to whether the spillway would leave sufficient water in the river for shipping. Mr W. E. Barber spoke in favour of the scheme considering that it would carry out to sea tho silt that was now blocking the river fairway. Mr Ivaikes said that the. board, by taking a definite stand, might holdup an important scheme. The board should approve of the scheme provided that the port facilities were safeguarded. It was finally decided to agree to the spillway proposal only on an assurance being given to the board that the existing facilities would not be affected.