STEWART ISLAND WHARVES

Southland Times, Issue 20229, 14 July 1927, Page 4

STEWART ISLAND WHARVES

REPLY FROM MINISTER. In reply to the representation made to the Minister of Marine (the Hon. G. J. Anderson) by the Southland League in respect to the Stewart Island wharves and the extension of jurisdiction of the Harbour Board, the secretary of the League has received the following reply:— “Half Moon Bay Wharf: I have further considered this and am prepared to increase the grant from £l,OOO to £1,500. Further, there is a vote of £l,OOO on the appropriations for the new vessel which the board has had built, this amount to be paid jointly by the Tourist, Post and Telegraph and Marine Departments. If the Harbour Board, the Tourist and Postal Departments are agreeable to this amount being made available for the wharf also, i see no objection to this being done. “Golden Bay Wharves: The question of providing funds for the renewal of these wharves is one for consideration of the Ttourist Department, and representations should be made to that department accordingly. “Extension of jurisdiction of the Harbour Board: I have considered this matter and note the reasons submitted for this request, but would state that, when the wharves are put in order and vested in the board, it can by by-law prescribe charges to be imposed (1) as berthage on ships using them; (2) as wharfage on goods passing over them, and (3) as a per capita charge on passengers passing over them, and this should provide sufficient revenue for the maintenance of the wharves in the future. Under these circumstances I do not see that any financial advantages can accrue to the board through the extension of limits. “I regret that I cannot see my way clear to authorise the expenditure of the Government grant for Half Moon Bay wharf until the whole of the money required for the work is secured.”—(Signed) G. J. Anderson.