HARBOUR MATTERS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12709, 21 March 1911, Page 8

HARBOUR MATTERS

(To the Editor.)

Sh\ —Some, I think, *are becoming scared as to the probable annual cost of, running an up-to-date dredge in the improvement of Wanganui's harbour, but to my mind there is no need for fear on this., score. Last year a fine new dredge—rthe "Maui" —arrived to the order,of the Gisborne Harbour Board, and the comparatively small population there is now saddled with the cost of same, viz., £40,000. But the majority of the people there saw that the only means of improving their harbour in a short space of time was by-dredging. They hope at some future time to go in for a fine outer harbour, but this at present is "very much in the future. Much courage was required for the act of signing the contract for the construction of the dredge, for, within the Board itself, there was a certin amount of determined opposition. But the Chairman and a majority of the Board saw their way clear to give •effect to their policy. Of course there was the usual number of croakers who declared that the dredge would prove a "gigantic failure," a "white elephant," etc., etc., expressions which come from the tongues of those who themselves cannot voice -an'original thought. The broadest and most practical aspect voiced by a well-known Gisborne resident was .-that'if the dredge was properly used it would Drove an important factor in cheapening the cost of living there. Who" would not be elated at the prospect of the price of food stuffs being reduced here? And I assert that should there be any loss on dredging operations here it would be overbalanced by the benefits received froni them, consequent upon larger vessels being enabled to trade here. One reason for the Gisborne people standing by the decision to buy a dredge was on account of their confidence in the future of their district. looked at it in the light that improved facilities mean improved prosperity and everybody in the district whether exporter or importer would Tje directly benefited. A gentleman connected with an important shipping firm promised them that if they tjould provide 20 feet of turning basm in the river, they could bring in the Karamea, a vessel of 6000 tons. The Board had a heavy hurdle to face though. Their revenue for 1909 was only £20,421 as compared with Napier's -£57,067, ■ and Timaru's £35,067. Yet in Gisborne they had the courage to go in for an up-to-date dredge such as the "Maui.' Prior to the decision to purchase her many influential citizens advised the proposal even though it meant a rate. The Wanganui Board as at present constituted does not appear very partial to dredging, and I trust the ratepayers will obtain an expression from every candidate as to his advocacy of a dredge or otherwise. The present Eoard's policy seems very much that of the unfortunate mole, which has its eyes perpetually shut to the broad sunlight of progress. Yours etc., DREDGE.