WESTPORT HARBOUR

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8525, 15 September 1913, Page 9

WESTPORT HARBOUR

PROGRESS OF THE INQUIRY. Press Association. WESTPORT, September 14., The Westport Harbour Board Commission resumed its inquiry yesterday, F. F. Munro giving lengthy evidence under the different heads included in the scope of the inquiry. He considered that a large quantity of small stone tipped on the breakwaters might as well have been tipped in the sea for all the good they did. Betts, ex-inspector of works, was responsible for loading the stone, and was in charge under the engineer when some eighty feet of breakwater flattened out. Witness considered that the former board had not shown foresight in failing to prevent the private acquit sßion of land on the went side of the river. In the past, charges had not been adjusted so that shipping should bear a fair share. The eoal trade waa in the hands of a combine, which reaped a big profit without paying legitimate charges for the services rendered. The trading accounts of the board did not sufficiently reveal its transactions. When he took office he inquired concerning the Rnbi Seddon pipes, and the secretary was unable to give him any information. The engineer then suddenly remembered that they had been loaned some six years ago, ■ and were now doing duty as smoke-stocks to certain sawmills. The engineer had since sent an account for the pipes, but witness thought the price charged was only half their worth. The board bad hired the plant and lent the services of the tug to Mr Foster in connection with the Motueka harbour contract, Foster being at the time a member of the Harbour Board, and had not been paid or even getting a deposit.