RIVER CONTROL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 18823, 13 July 1923, Page 9

RIVER CONTROL

MEETING OF TRUST BOARD. A meeting of the Wanganui River Trust Board and Domain Board was held on Wednesday afternoon, Mr. J. 11. Burnet, chairman, presiding. There were also present: Messrs McGregor, Burgess, Marsack, Allen, Reardon, and Williams. RIVER SERVICE. A letter was read from Messrs Armstrong, Craig and Barton on behalf of a number of residents within the Board’s rating area, stating that they were opposed to the Board taking over the present river steamer service or initiating a new one, on the grounds that the proposed service would be no better than the one conducted by Hatrick and Co. TOURIST TRAFFIC. Mr W. A. Veitch, M.P., forwarded a letter received from the Minister in charge of the Tourist Department in reference to tourists travelling down the river. The Hon. Mr. Nosworthy said that most of the tourists arrived at Auckland, and, after visiting the thermal regions and the Waitomo Caves and travelling down the river, were anxious to get down to the South Island, their time being limited. The Department realised that it would be to the advantage of tourists, as well as to the advantage of Wanganui, if they were to stay for a time in that city. He suggested that if the local people had any literature descriptive of the beauties of the city a supply should be sent to the Department’s tourist agent in Auckland, when he would be in a position to exhibit it to intending tourists. The town of Wanganui was already included in the Department's itinerary of travel, with all information regarding access thereto. The Department would do what it could to distribute any literature there might be available. The letter was received.

RIVER DUES ABOLISHED. According to notice of motion already given, the chairman moved that river dues from ratepayers in the Trust's rating area be abolished. Mr. Burnet said that the proposal did not include all the river area, but only that portion within the Board’s rating area. He considered that it was only right to assist those who were backing up the Board. The amounts were small, but they were irritating. The secretary said that the amount collected over the whole length of the river fox- the last six years was about £l3OO. Mr. Williams seconded the motion, and asked for more information. Mr. Burgess said that the amount which it was proposed to remit was about five-sixths of the whole. Mr. Reardon said that, although he was sympathetic with tho proposal, he pointed out that the Board’s work was perilous, and at any time it might be called upon to face a heavy expenditure. At present the Trust was dependent upon Government funds, and he asked whether, under those circumstances, the Trust was justified in abolishing the dues as proposed.

Mr. Marsack said he would be favourable to the proposal so long as he was assured the Trust had sufficient finance to do as suggested. Mr. Burgess said that the dues altogether amounted to £4OO per annum, of which £3OO would be remitted. The Trust did not rely upon the dues for its revenue; if so the Trust would have to close down. He advised the Board to do as suggested. Mr. McGregor considered that the Trust should not penalise those people who did not think fit to come within the area. The chairman raid the cost of collection and the irritation caused by it was not in proportion to the amount received. He pointed out that the Kaitieke County Council was subsidised by the Trust for roadmaking for several years, and at the first oportunity the settlers up there cut themselves off. The motion was carried. MEETINGS. It was decided to meet every two months, on the third Monday in the month. PROPOSED PUBLIC SERVICE. The committee having this matter in hand presented the following interim report: “The subject was discussed at some length, and it was agreed that the most logical course would be to get Messrs Hatrick and Co. to make a concrete offer of the price and conditions under which they would voluntarily dispose of their business. Until this information was available, the committee was not prepared to recommend the purchase or otherwise. It was decided to obtain this

information from Messrs Hatrick and Co., and then ask the Trust for its views, for or against, on the question of the taking over of the present service. It was considered that inquiries as to the institution of a separate service would be premature before arriving at a decision on this other matter.” A further meeting of the committee was held, and the report proceeds:

“After an exchange of views on various aspects of the suggestion that Messrs Hatrick and Co.’s service be acquired, Mr. Burgess was invited t,o come along to the meeting. The latter stated, in reply to a question, that his company would agree to sell the service either for a stated sum or al a valuation to be arrived at by arbitration. To a request for something specific in the way of figures, Mr. Burgess replied that he was prepared to give full information to a subcommittee of, say two. The chairman and Mr. Reardon were then appointed a sub-committee to confer with Messrs Hatrick and Co., and report back to the committee, after which the latter would be in a position to report fully to the Trust.” Mr. Reardon said that the matter was a big one, and he asked for the committee a little more time before making a recommendation to the Trust. The committee was going into the matter very thoroughly, and would, he hoped, make an early report. Mr. Marsaclc said it was in the Interests of the Trust to bring down a thorough and comprehensive report. It was a most important matter. This was agreed to. Mr. F. H. Allen was added to the committee.