THE WANGANUI HARBOUR.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12857, 1 February 1913, Page 4

THE WANGANUI HARBOUR.

A QUESTION OF SCHEMES

SUPPORT OF THE COUNTRY

(By our Traveling Reporter.) When tho Wanganui Haroour Bill ■was recently under discussion, very considerable opposition to it came from the country, particularly the Rangitikei County. With modified proposals, however, a very much better feeling is being created, and upon making inquiries in different centres, I even found that support will be given, provided that there is a greater range of differential rating in the new measure. i Even at Tamape it is recognised that many advantages would be gained from an up-to-date harbour at Wanganui, with every facility given for the quick ( handling of goods. It is contended— .and the argument appears most reasonable—that it is unfair to rate- those who have other means of harbour service, equally as high as those who have no other alternative but to use the harbour. For instance, the Rangitkei people have Wellington, and that port is largely availed of because of the expedition used in forwarding. At the same time, it is recognised that t Wanganui is the natural port for this 'great, thriving country, and if Wan-

ganui authorities exercise a little dipi lomacy and adduce convincing evidence tWt; jthtey are desirous <pf ;provi|ding j modern harbour facilities without undue taxation —particularly by an equitable system of differential rating—the' Wanganui harbour extension scheme will have practically the unanimous support of the country involved. The Wangamii "Chronicle" by its very large coun--Iry circulation has done much towards

removing some of the prejudices against tho harbour, and to show the great advantages already gained as a result of the present limited scheme, together I with the grent '""Hties "under tho operation of the larger scheme of development. At the same time, it would be i,n the interests of the Wan-

ganui harbour extension if the chairman of the B-oord, and other members, visited the country districts concerned and explained the n<^w proposals. Such an arrangement would, I feel sura, prove beneficial and clear the atmosphere for

tho vigorous prosecution of a harbour development scheme, that when com- . pleted must prove a great saving,- in I freights to tho whole of Rangitikei "and at the same time materially contriKut* towards Wanganui's greater develop, ment.