WANGANUI RIVER BOARD.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIX, Issue 12599, 13 September 1905, Page 8

WANGANUI RIVER BOARD.

A meeting of the Wanganui River Trust was held on Monday, when there were present: Messrs. T. D. Cummins (chairman), T. B. Williams, J. T. Stewart, and G. Caiman. Tho Chairman mentioned that Mr. G. Caiman, by reason of his election to the gosition of President of the Wanganui. hamber of Commerce, has assumed tho duties of Mr. H. S. G. Harper, the retiring president. ; Tho Chairman explained that he had previously called tAvo meetings of the Trust, but at neither was there a quorum. As executive officer, he had carried on tho business. Mr. Cummins further skid that the financial position of the' Trust needed careful consideration, as tho indebtedness was considerable, and something Avas necessary to put tho Trust in a sound financial position. The finances showed that with the liability to the Bank of New Zealand and outstanding accounts, it would take about £1500 to clear the indebtedness. Ho then submitted a statement of accounts.

The meeting then adjourned till next morning. On resuming yesterday morning, thero being present Messrs. Cummins, Willis, Caiman, and Stewart, Tho Chairman explained that ho had made a personal effort to secure a quorum. Mr. Bassett was ill, Mr. Byrnes had sent an apology, and the other members had not attended, although they had been communicated With.

Tho Chairman referred to correspondence received from Ellis and Burnand, relative to rafting timber down the Wanganui river from Taumaranui. He said Messrs. Ellis and Burnand had been informed that a rafting license wars necessary, and that they Avould require to indemnify the Trust against daniago to their works.

A letter was read from the District Engineer of Roads asking for information as to the proposed works in the future.

Letter from the Survey Department, showing that no applications had been made by sawmillers for permission to float timber, .and stating that in the event of applications being made they. would. be forwarded to the Trust for advice in the matter. A letter was received from Sir Joseph Ward on the same subject, stating that the power to grant rafting licenses Avas vested in the Commissioner of- Crown Lands.

Captain (Marshall's a^eport on the upper reaches was read.

A letter was received from Sir J. Ward, acknowledging ireceipt of letter urging that £4000 bo placed on the Estimates for liver works during the ensuing year.

On the motion of Mir Willis, seconded by 'Mr J. T. Stewart-, it was resolved that the Chairman be requested to intervieAV the. Government and Ministers interested Avith a view to getting a substantial vote placed upon, the supplementary Estimates. It was further resolved that if satisfactory financial arrangements were made with the Government, Captain Marshall should be instructed to proceed with the repairs and renovation, of the .punts, plant, and •gear, wit'h-a. view to having everything in gcoi cider for commencing operations at an early date.

Accounts were then passed for payment., and the Trust adjourned. .'