INLAND WATERWAYS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15517, 27 January 1914, Page 5

INLAND WATERWAYS.

THE NEEDLES LOCK.

MEETING AT .WAIUKU.

PROPOSAL THOUGHT PREMATURE.

A public meeting of all those interested in the proposed lock at the Needles was held at Waiuku. Mr. S. T. Rossiter, chairman of the committee, presided. The chairman explained what had been done, and that the present meeting was* the outcome of a meeting that was held at the Kentish Hotel some short time since, which was attended and addressed, by the chairman and members of the Auckland Harbour Board. As instructed by the committee he and Mr. W. J. King had waited on the chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board to try and find out to what extent the board was prepared to help, but Mr. Gunson wished to know how much the people would assist, so that nothing was done. The feeling of the committee was that the time was not ripe for the construction of the lock.

The following resolution was submitted by the committee : " That the question of the construction of the lock be deferred until the report of the proposed Commission on the inland waterways scheme is available; and the committee is of opinion that the. canal connecting the Mariukau and Waitemata Harbours should be constructed before the Needles lock." ■ ' Mr. W. J.King said there had been some delay over calling the meeting, owing to the strike and the holidays. He had received the following letter from the Harbour Board over the matter:— accordance with the-promise made by the chairman at the conference with representatives of your district on September 18, I now forward for the information of your committee a plan of the proposed lock at the Needles, and also a plan showing a possible classification of the rating area. Ihe estimated cost of the lock complete is £50,000. The engineer is now gathering further data. . The chairman suggests that for the present it will be sufficient if the proposal is dealt with in the abstract. If your committee can approve the principle he is prepared, as you requested, to again visit Waiuku in company with the board member's, at a date to be arranged, in, order to address a thoroughly, representative public meeting-. This meeting would be expected to be in a position to give a definite expression of opinion, so that the board might give a decision 1 at once. The plan showing these areas which, it is suggested might be classified for rating is submitted merely as a* basis.for discussion. All interests in these areas would more or less benefit by 'such a scheme, and if this principle were affirmed only the question of values and the rate to be levied would require to be considered. I shall be glad if you furnish for the .board a statement of the capital values over the three areas shown, so that if the proposal is seriously entertained the board may be in a position when . it visits Waiuku to say what it will require in the way of rates. The question also as to Whether the Northern Steamship ; Company, whose trade would receive a great impetus, and who would be big gainers should be requested to Contribute a reasonable 'sum towards the consummation of this work must be considered, 1 ' -- . J*

After some further' discussion, Mr. ~ A. M. Barriball stated that •he thought, the resolution submitted should be adopted, as, in his opinion, it expressed tne aeelings of the people generally. He moved accordingly. . . .'% ;.,, ', ■ ■,}'_-. ;vV; ■•' Mr. L. F. Shakespeare after expressing himself strongly that the:canal should be .constructed) before the lock, seconded the proposal, ■ which . on being put to • the meeting was carried unanimously.>: , . *