WANGANUI HARBOUR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22731, 18 May 1937, Page 16

WANGANUI HARBOUR

DEFICIENCY ON WORKING HIGHER RATES TO BE STRUCK [by telegraph—own correspondent] WAXGANUI, Monday To make up an estimated deficiency of approximately £21,510 in the ensuing year's working, the Wanganui Harbour Board decided to-day to increase the rates levied in the city to 16-25 d in the pound on the capital value and 8-25(1 in the pound in the Waitotara, Wanganui and Waimarino Counties, the increase being 4-25 d in the city and 2-25 d in the counties. The managing secretary, Mr. W. J. Gardner, assured board members that in framing the estimates for the ensuing year the expenditure had been reduced to the absolute minimum. The board could really do with more money, but the estimates had teen made as bare as possible and to correct the deficiency the rates must of necessity be increased. Satisfaction with the work being carried out at the harbour entrance by the suction hopper dredge Kaione, recently commissioned after lying idle for several years, was expressed at the meeting. The depth on the bar has increased by 31t. during the past month or six weeks, and the dredge master, Captain l'\ A. Naylor, who is also harbourmaster, reported that the progress being made was very gratifyinS- ... i • The Kaione was placed in commission last month following an urgent decision of the board when the water available on the- bar was not sufficient to permit overseas vessels to enter the river channel. The position has now been remedied and overseas freighers are working the port without difficulty.