HARBOUR RECLAMATION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 11 June 1927, Page 6

HARBOUR RECLAMATION

iTo the Editor)

Sir,—l had hoped some other persons would have shown sufficient interest in Ttar'bour Board matters to have put in a protest against the vJay iti vviiicfi the members of our Uoani .-ire vicing with each other Lo hslg'albflg tlie p<?or !iU*us/ gling fill companies.' In vij jlisi letter 1 asked what loss of revenue the Board would have to face if the companies erected their tanks at Port Nelson, and on the chairman's own showing there will be over £SOO per annum less revenue than under present existing methods. The chairman goes on to say even though (he Hoard does not reclaim the hind at the Port the oil companies will still erect their tanks else where; but. surely in going on with the work the Board is aiding and abetting in the loss of £SOO per annum. Further loss of revenue to the town, which I omitted in ?ny previous letter is Ihe freight at present earned by our local shipping company which is n,o small item, for if the companeis erect their tanks at Port (or elsewhere) all their supplies wil be carried by their own tank vessels.

Again, sir, has it been considered by the Board that in giving away I his area to outsiders the Board is losing what is practically the most, favourable site for further shed acoimnodalion am? one has only to ho about the wharves in the busy'fruit export season, to realise how badly extra, acommodation is required ; not only will it be wanted for .apple export storage, but surely the port is going to grow. What better site could be had for shed accommodation than that proposed for oil tanks? The Board, I think, should weigh matters over most jCarefnllyr.-before committing , the rate-; payers •.and' citizens'-to. the expenditure' stated and to'the loss for all time of a very valuable site for either cool stores or shed accommodation.—l am etc, INTERESTED PARTY. 10th June.